An event that never registered much importance on my radar, the 4th of July is a welcome holiday nonetheless. Even if it means the smell of meaty cookouts wafting through the neighborhood all day and little more than an excuse to blow up some fireworks in the evening, it’s a welcome holiday in the long, occasionally monotonous stretch of summer months. Without the mandated gatherings of family and friends, spent largely lazing about outdoors, it’s questionable whether I would take the time to pause and enjoy the season at all. Honestly, for such a casual affair where the star of the show is usually the hotdog or hamburger (hopefully tofu dog and veggie burger!), it hardly seems worth fussing over creating a grand spread.
That’s not to say that I’ve completely written off the Fourth as day that good food forgot, but if you are going to put some effort into your edibles, it may as well be in one simple, small, and non-essential dish. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that some people can get very edgy when you threaten their Independence Day grilling ritual. This little thing I’ve whipped up here? Just consider it a bonus… Which may end up being a bigger hit than the star of the show itself.
Blue potatoes, skin left intact, are diced small and tossed in a dab of avocado or olive oil, finely minced garlic and fresh rosemary before hitting the oven. Roasted at 400 degrees, it only takes about 15 minutes for the little starchy morsels to reach a state of crisp on the outside and tender within. Cool before proceeding.
Pull out some nice glasses, or glass jars, or even clear plastic cups if you’re against doing dishes on this most laissez-faire of gatherings. Spoon a layer of chilled blue potatoes on the bottom, and press down lightly to keep the stripes even. Top your blue potatoes with an equal layer of tofu feta (made with white miso only, please)- Which, unlike actual feta, is not nearly so salty, fatty, or cloying, and thus edible in larger amounts in a single dish without throwing the balance out of whack.
Finally, chop two or three large, ripe tomatoes, remove the seeds, and toss with a handful of finely diced red onion, a touch of salt, and some very thin shreds of fresh basil. Drain if watery, and pile up high for the final stripe. Store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Whatever you do, don’t call this a potato salad; Deliver it with the title of Patriotic Potato Verrine, and it’s sure to steal the spotlight.
BEAUTIFUL presentation, as always!
Ha! You’re so creative…that’s great :)
The potatoes & tofu feta & tomatoes look so refreshing! The perfect side dish for a veggie burger.
Gorgeous (although I was hoping you’d show a fabulous festive dessert ;) Happy 4th to you!!
Cute! Sounds delicious too.
Looks the flag of the Netherlands.
I think my parents are already starting to get edgy about me impinging on their grilling tradition so I think this would be the perfect compromise. i won’t eat meat but won’t chastise them for doing so…so long as their eat this terrine and be happy about it. Sounds like a good deal to me!
Ha! Canadians get edgy about Canada Day grilling traditions, too. This is super cute by the way. I’ve never seen blue potatoes around these parts but they’re gorgeous! Just another reason to move to a big city. :)
Hanna that looks obsoletely outstanding. I am already starting to eat through your picture. So it there is few chunks missing for your picture you know why.
I really love this recipe – vegan and healthy, but without screaming it! Because like you said, it ain’t smart to #$%^ with someones 4th of July cookout :)
These vegan frozen treats look amazing.
I really like this! Not your usual Fourth of July fare, but still “outsidey” and super seasonal and fresh!
Plus, a Patriotic Potato Verrine can be used for any country’s celebration! Whee!
Too true! I hadn’t thought of it before, but you’re right, it could work great for Italy, France, The Netherlands, and so on…. I didn’t realize there were so many countries with the same national colors!
That looks so freaking awesome!! You are a presentation genius!
So pretty! At first glance I thought it was a dessert!
Yummmmmm. . .now where to find blue potatoes in my rural neck of the woods. Or feta tofu. But the presentation is beautiful – I’ll save this one for sometime when I’m actually in a city of more than 1,000. . .
What a gorgeous and creative 4th of july dish!