Introduction
Roasted baby potatoes infused with garlic and herbs make for a delightful side dish that pairs well with various main courses. This easy recipe highlights the natural flavors of the potatoes while adding a touch of richness from the olive oil and a fragrant aroma from the garlic and fresh herbs. Ideal for any occasion, these roasted potatoes are sure to impress your family and friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 kg/2 lb baby potatoes or other small potatoes, halved
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp cooking/kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
5 garlic cloves with skin on, smashed
5 thyme sprigs or 3 rosemary sprigs
OPTIONAL GARNISH
Finely chopped parsley or fresh thyme
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 5
To prepare the roasted potatoes, preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F (180°C fan). Smash the garlic cloves by placing the side of a knife on an unpeeled clove and hitting it firmly with your palm to release some of the flavor without making it too fragmented.
Next, toss the halved potatoes in a tray, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Add the smashed garlic and herb sprigs, tossing again to ensure even coating. Spread the potatoes out on the tray.
Roast the potatoes for 30 minutes, then give them a toss before roasting for another 25 to 35 minutes or until golden brown. If some potatoes stick to the tray, leave them; they will release when properly cooked, creating a delightful crust.
Finally, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy the crispy exterior and fluffy interior of these delicious roasted potatoes!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F (or 180°C if using a fan oven).
Smashed Garlic Preparation
Take the garlic cloves and keep the skin on. Place the side of a knife over each garlic clove. Firmly hit the knife with the palm of your hand to slightly crush the garlic while keeping it mostly intact.
Tossing the Potatoes
Place the halved baby potatoes onto a baking tray and ensure they are pushed together. Drizzle 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the potatoes. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of cooking/kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are well coated. Then, add the smashed garlic and thyme sprigs (or rosemary if using). Toss again and spread the potatoes out evenly on the tray.
Roasting the Potatoes
Put the tray in the preheated oven and roast the potatoes for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, take them out and toss them again. Continue roasting for an additional 25 to 35 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and tender.
Serving the Potatoes
Once roasted to a golden perfection, take the potatoes from the oven. If desired, sprinkle with finely chopped parsley or fresh thyme before serving. Serve immediately for the best taste.
Notes
Potato Selection
Ideal potatoes should be around 4cm/1.6 inches in size. You can use any small potatoes with skins, such as baby potatoes, cocktail potatoes, new potatoes, red potatoes, or creamer potatoes. If larger potatoes are used, cut them into 3 or 4 pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
Smashed Garlic Benefits
Smashing the garlic releases its flavor into the potatoes during roasting while keeping the garlic whole. This prevents it from burning, unlike minced garlic.
Using Dried Herbs
If fresh thyme or rosemary is unavailable, you can substitute with dried herbs. Add about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs halfway through the roasting time to prevent burning.
Handling Stuck Potatoes
If some potatoes stick to the baking tray, do not worry. This indicates that a crust is forming. Leave them to cook; they will release when ready.
Golden Potato Tips
For an extra golden finish, consider arranging the pale sides of potatoes face down on the tray for the last 30 minutes of roasting.
Leftover Storage
Leftover roast potatoes can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best flavor, revive them by slightly flattening and pan-frying to reheat and crisp them up.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Ensure the oven is preheated to the correct temperature (200°C / 400°F) before placing the potatoes inside. This helps in achieving a crispy texture.
Smashed Garlic Technique
To smash garlic, place the side of a knife on the unpeeled garlic clove and hit it firmly with the palm of your hand. This method releases the garlic flavor while keeping the cloves mostly intact.
Tossing Ingredients
Combine the halved potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, smashed garlic, and herbs in a large tray. Toss well to ensure even coating for optimal flavor.
Roasting Procedure
Roast the potatoes for an initial 30 minutes, then toss them to ensure even cooking. Continue roasting for an additional 25 to 35 minutes until they are golden brown.
Arranging for Maximum Crispiness
For extra golden potatoes, arrange the pale sides of the potatoes facedown on the tray during the last 30 minutes of roasting.
Handling Stuck Potatoes
If some potatoes stick to the tray, avoid pulling them off harshly. They are not ready to release yet; leave them until a crust has formed.
Reheating Leftovers
To reheat leftover roast potatoes, flatten them slightly and pan fry until crispy, which helps revive their texture and flavor.
FAQ
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, any small potatoes that can be cooked with the skin on work well, including baby, cocktail, new, red, or creamer potatoes.
How do I know when the potatoes are done roasting?
The potatoes are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, typically after roasting for 55 to 65 minutes in total.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, dried thyme or rosemary can be used. Add them halfway through the roasting time to prevent burning.
How long do leftovers last?
Leftover roast potatoes can last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Conclusion
Perfectly roasted baby potatoes with a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, enhanced by the aromatic flavors of garlic and herbs, make for an irresistible side dish. Whether paired with meats, fish, or vegetarian options, these potatoes bring a delightful crunch and wellness to any meal.
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