These Crispy Hasselback Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal. With their beautifully crispy edges and soft, flavorful centers, they are sure to be a hit with any potato lover. Simple yet elegant, they pair wonderfully with a variety of mains, from roasted meats to grilled vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 8 small floury potatoes, approximately 100g/3.5oz each
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp paprika
To Serve:
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Maldon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Heat your oven to 200°C/400°F (fan-assisted).
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Place a potato on a chopping board. Flank it with a wooden spoon or chopstick on each side. This setup prevents the knife from cutting all the way through the potato.
- Carefully make slits in the potato, about 2mm apart, using the spoons or chopsticks as guides. Repeat this process for all the potatoes.
3. Arrange the Potatoes:
- Place the slit potatoes into a shallow cast-iron pan or a roasting tray suitable for the size and number of your potatoes.
4. Mix the Seasoning:
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir until everything is well mixed.
5. Season the Potatoes:
- Drizzle the oil and spice mixture over the potatoes, ensuring some gets into the slits for maximum flavor.
6. Bake:
- Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the edges are crisped up. Baste the potatoes with the cooking juices 2-3 times during the baking process to ensure they stay moist and flavorful.
7. Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the potatoes from the oven. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and a bit of Maldon salt over the top for added flavor and a touch of elegance.
These Hasselback potatoes are a perfect side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains from roasted meats to grilled vegetables. Their crispy edges and soft, flavorful centers make them a true delight for any potato lover. Enjoy your culinary creation and the compliments that are sure to follow!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 60-70 minutes
Total Time: 75-85 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per serving
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these potatoes alongside roasted chicken, beef, or lamb for a hearty meal.
- Pair them with grilled vegetables and a fresh green salad for a lighter option.
- They also make a great addition to a holiday table, complementing a variety of festive dishes.
Cooking Tips:
- Use potatoes of similar size to ensure even cooking.
- For extra crispiness, you can increase the oven temperature to 220°C/425°F for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Make sure to baste the potatoes with the cooking juices a few times during baking to keep them moist and flavorful.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Potatoes are a good source of vitamins C and B6, potassium, and dietary fiber.
- Using olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
- Fresh herbs like thyme provide antioxidants and add a burst of flavor without additional calories.
Dietary Information:
- This recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
- For a vegan version, substitute the butter with additional olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
- Naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
- The potatoes are both visually impressive and delicious, making them perfect for entertaining.
- Versatile and pairs well with a wide range of main dishes.
Conclusion:
These Crispy Hasselback Potatoes are a delicious and elegant side dish that will elevate any meal. With their crispy edges and soft centers, they offer a delightful texture and flavor that is sure to impress. Enjoy the simplicity and elegance of this recipe and the rave reviews that are sure to follow!