Mr. Collins’ Excellent Boiled Potatoes: A Pride & Prejudice Recipe

“Many years since I have had such an exemplary vegetable!”

The 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel has secured its spot as a vital artifact of pop culture and the pinnacle of classic romance films. In the past two decades, it has not lost its magic, continuing to set the “if he wanted to, he would” standard for men at a near unattainable standard. Though twenty years have now passed, Keira Knightley is still drop-dead gorgeous, and Mr. Darcy’s iconic hand flex has continued to bewitch us, body and soul.  

(Smash cut to my mother and I squealing at the TV while my dad looks on in vague confusion. Though I’m pretty sure he secretly swoons over Darcy as well, because who wouldn’t?) 

So. In honor of this masterpiece’s 20th anniversary, what better way to celebrate than with a classic, hearty, period-accurate dish? If the way to a man’s heart is indeed through his stomach, these herb-boiled potatoes are guaranteed to woo over family, friends, and your dad’s awkward distant cousin who’s the heir presumptive to your estate.  

I’ve wanted to try these ever since the film became a staple family tradition. Maybe it’s the film’s immaculate aesthetics, but it’s probably mostly because of the way Mr. Collins absolutely decimates those potatoes on screen. It’s enough to make any mouth water. So, I scoured the internet to find a recreation of this dish, hopefully from someone who is just as big of a fan of P&P as I am.  

 This recipe is from Fabulous Fare Sisters. It is a perfect side dish to your entrées, simple, aromatic and of course, nice and buttery.  

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“If the way to a man’s heart is indeed through his stomach, these herb-boiled potatoes are guaranteed to woo over family, friends, and your dad’s awkward distant cousin who’s the heir presumptive to your estate.”  

 Mr. Collins’ Excellent Herb Boiled Potatoes 

• 4 white potatoes 

• 1 Tbsp salt added to water for boiling 

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped 

• 1/4 cup fresh dill chopped 

• 1/8 cup fresh chives chopped 

• 3 Tbsp butter 

• salt & pepper 

 Instructions 

1. Chop herbs.  

2. Peel potatoes and place in a large pot with 1 Tbs of salt. 

3. Cover with water. This recipe specifies that having lots of water is the key to having “light and fluffy” potatoes.  

4. Boil potatoes until fork tender.  

5. Drain potatoes and reserve 1/2 cup of potato water.  

6. Return potatoes to pot and add butter. 

7. Next add herbs, salt & pepper and a splash of potato water (as needed). 

8. Serve and enjoy! 

The potatoes are also great with sour cream. If you serve them cold, simply add 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar and 1/4 cup olive oil to them for an excellent potato salad. 

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Thank you, Fabulous Fare Sisters, for this recipe! This dish is one I’ll be sure to try as I celebrate twenty years of dreaming of a single man in possession of a good fortune, who is in want of a wife.

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