Save Smashed Garlic Potatoes with Crispy Oil are the ultimate side dish for any occasion. These golden baby potatoes are boiled until tender, smashed to create extra surface area, and roasted to perfection. The finishing touch is a fragrant, garlic-infused olive oil and a delicate sprinkle of fleur de sel that elevates the humble potato into a gourmet experience.
Save In modern European cooking, the beauty of a dish often lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. By smashing the potatoes before roasting, you create a variety of textures—from the crunch of the golden skin to the soft interior—which perfectly capture the garlic oil in every nook and cranny.
Ingredients
Potatoes- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) baby potatoes, washed
- 1 ½ tsp fine sea salt (for boiling)
- 80 ml (⅓ cup) extra virgin olive oil
- 4 large garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- Fleur de sel, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2
- Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add 1 ½ tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender. Drain well.
- Step 3
- Arrange the cooked potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Using a potato masher or the bottom of a glass, gently smash each potato to about 1.5 cm (½ inch) thick.
- Step 4
- Drizzle 2 tbsp of olive oil over the potatoes and gently toss to coat.
- Step 5
- Roast in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until edges are golden and crispy.
- Step 6
- While potatoes roast, heat the remaining olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and gently cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 7
- Once potatoes are crisp, remove from oven and immediately drizzle with the garlic-infused oil. Sprinkle with fleur de sel, black pepper, and chopped parsley if using.
- Step 8
- Serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best results, make sure the potatoes are well-drained and slightly dry before you smash them on the baking sheet; this helps achieve maximum crispiness in the oven.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes to the garlic oil while it simmers. You can also swap the parsley for other fresh herbs like chives or thyme depending on your preference.
Serviervorschläge
These potatoes are excellent when served alongside grilled meats like steak or chicken. Alternatively, enjoy them as a satisfying vegetarian main dish accompanied by a fresh, crisp garden salad.
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Enjoy your homemade Smashed Garlic Potatoes! Serve them hot immediately after drizzling to preserve the contrast between the crispy exterior and the soft, infused center.
Common Questions
- → How do I get the potatoes crispy?
Boil potatoes until tender, smash them to about half an inch thick, then roast at a high temperature with olive oil until edges are golden and crisp.
- → Can I use different types of potatoes?
Baby or new potatoes work best for their tender texture and size, but other waxy potato varieties can also be used for a similar result.
- → What is the purpose of garlic-infused olive oil?
Heating olive oil with minced garlic gently releases fragrant flavors which enhance the crispy potatoes when drizzled over them after roasting.
- → How should I season the potatoes after roasting?
Sprinkle fleur de sel and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Fresh herbs like parsley can add brightness if desired.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Potatoes can be boiled in advance, but smashing and roasting should be done just before serving for optimal crispiness.