Oven-Roasted Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic
Category: Side Dishes
Servings: 4
Oven-roasted potatoes are a comforting, versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with virtually any main course. Crispy on the outside, tender and fluffy on the inside, these potatoes are infused with fragrant rosemary and a touch of garlic, bringing out their natural flavor while enhancing the dining experience. Here’s how you can prepare these golden delights to perfection.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | 1 kg |
| Fresh Rosemary | 2 sprigs |
| Garlic Cloves | 2 |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 30 g |
| Fine Salt | To taste |
| Fresh Thyme | 2 sprigs |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for drizzling) | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 170 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on the exact ingredients used.
Instructions
To achieve perfectly roasted potatoes, with a crispy exterior and soft, pillowy interior, follow this step-by-step guide:
-
Prepare the Potatoes:
Begin by washing the potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Once clean, peel them using a vegetable peeler and cut them into halves, then quarters, and finally reduce them into small, bite-sized cubes. This uniformity ensures even cooking. -
Boil the Potatoes:
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully drop the potato cubes into the pot and let them cook for about 5 minutes. This partial cooking helps the potatoes become tender inside while still allowing for a crispy finish once roasted. After 5 minutes, drain the potatoes using a slotted spoon or a colander. -
Season the Potatoes:
While the potatoes are still hot, drizzle them with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with fine salt. Gently stir to ensure that each potato cube is evenly coated with the oil and salt. The oil will help achieve that desirable golden brown crispness, while the salt enhances the flavor. -
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) in the convection or fan mode. Place an empty baking tray inside the oven to warm it up while the oven is heating. This step ensures that the potatoes will immediately start to crisp up once they hit the hot tray. -
Roast the Potatoes:
Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, carefully remove the hot tray from the oven using oven mitts. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on the bottom of the tray, then place the seasoned potatoes onto the tray. Scatter fresh rosemary sprigs over the potatoes, as well as the peeled garlic cloves, which will roast alongside the potatoes and infuse them with a subtle garlic flavor. -
Bake Until Golden:
Place the tray back into the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the potatoes are golden, crisp, and easily pierced with a fork. Make sure to stir the potatoes every 20 minutes to ensure that they roast evenly on all sides. The key to perfectly roasted potatoes is consistent movement to avoid burning and to encourage a uniform crispy texture. -
Finishing Touches:
Once the potatoes are done roasting, remove them from the oven. Discard the garlic cloves (they should be soft and roasted by now, but too intense to eat in their whole form). Allow the potatoes to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, when they are at their crispiest and most flavorful. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these oven-roasted potatoes with your favorite main dishes, whether it’s a juicy steak, roasted chicken, or a fresh vegetable medley. Their crispy edges and tender interior make them a perfect complement to any meal. Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme just before serving for a burst of herby fragrance.
Tips for the Perfect Oven-Roasted Potatoes:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds or Red Bliss, as they hold their shape better when roasting. Russets, on the other hand, are great for mashed potatoes but might become too soft for roasting.
- Double the Roasting Time for Extra Crispy Potatoes: If you love your potatoes extra crispy, try increasing the roasting time by 10-15 minutes. Just be sure to check regularly to avoid burning.
- Add More Flavor: For extra flavor, consider tossing your potatoes with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or Parmesan cheese in the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Experiment with Herbs: Rosemary and thyme are classic, but you can mix it up by using oregano, sage, or bay leaves for different flavor profiles.
Whether it’s for a family dinner, a holiday feast, or a casual gathering, these oven-roasted potatoes are sure to be a hit. The combination of fragrant rosemary, fresh thyme, and crispy golden potatoes will leave your guests asking for seconds!
