Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za’atar
Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za’atar are an absolute game-changer for anyone looking to elevate their potato side dish. These little nuggets of joy burst with flavor, and their perfectly crispy edges contrast beautifully with the tender insides. Coating them in zesty za’atar and a rich chipotle tahini adds a delightful Middle Eastern flair that is both comforting and exciting. Just the thought of them roasting in the oven while the aroma of garlic wafts through the kitchen makes my heart swoon.
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I still remember the first time I served these to friends during a cozy dinner party. Everyone was raving about how the crispy smashed potatoes stole the show—who knew a simple potato could be transformed into such a gourmet treat? Not only are they visually appealing with their golden-brown tops, but they’re also incredibly forgiving to make. Perfect for a weekday dinner or a weekend gathering, these crispy smashed potatoes are bound to become a staple in your home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This dish comes together in about 75 minutes, with just 15 minutes of prep time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of za’atar, garlic, and chipotle tahini makes for a taste explosion that’s hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Those golden, crispy potatoes are as pretty as they are delicious—guaranteed to impress!
- Flexible Serving: Great as an appetizer, side dish, or snack—perfect for any occasion!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Can be easily adapted to cater to gluten-free or vegan diets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb baby potatoes: These small potatoes are ideal for smashing. Their thin skins get extra crispy while the insides remain soft. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well too.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: This addition not only helps in achieving that golden brown color but also gives a delightful richness. Feel free to substitute some of it with melted coconut oil for a different flavor twist.
- 1 tbsp za’atar spice: A Middle Eastern spice blend that includes thyme, oregano, and sesame seeds, it adds a unique flavor profile that brings the dish to life. If unavailable, you can use a mix of dried herbs like thyme and oregano with sesame seeds.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Basil or cilantro can serve as alternatives, though the flavor will shift slightly.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings balance to the dish.
- 1 tsp lemon zest: The citrusy note highlights the other flavors and adds brightness. Using lime zest can be an interesting twist!
- 1/4 cup tahini (sesame paste): This creamy condiment is integral to the chipotle tahini sauce. Make sure it’s well-stirred; if you can’t find tahini, you can use sunflower seed butter in a pinch.
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce + 2 tbsp of the adobo sauce: This adds spice and smokiness to the tahini. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can substitute with smoked paprika or reduce the amount of chipotle used.
- 1/4 cup cold water: Helps bring the tahini sauce to a drizzle-able consistency. Adjust it based on your preferred thickness.
- 1 clove garlic: Roasted or fresh, garlic is essential in the tahini sauce for depth of flavor.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: This balances the creaminess of the tahini with its acidity, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Salt to taste: Important for final adjustments, ensuring everything is seasoned perfectly.
How to Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za’atar
Boil the Potatoes: Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the 1 lb baby potatoes and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender but not falling apart. This step is crucial as it ensures your potatoes will have that perfect fluffy inside when smashed.
Preheat the Oven: While the potatoes are boiling, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Getting your oven hot helps achieve that desired crispiness in the potatoes.
Prepare the Coating: Once the potatoes are tender, drain them and add them to a large bowl. Pour in 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tbsp za’atar spice, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Toss everything together until the potatoes are well coated. You want each potato to be glistening with oil and spices.
Smash the Potatoes: Lay the potatoes out on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using the bottom of a glass, gently smash each potato until they are flat but not completely obliterated. They should hold their shape somewhat; this technique maximizes the surface area that will crisp up.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the smashed potatoes for 20 minutes. At this point, they will start to soften further. After 20 minutes, flip each potato and return them to the oven for an additional 15 minutes. You want them golden brown along the edges and crispy all over.
Make the Chipotle Tahini: While the potatoes are baking, prepare the chipotle tahini. In a blender, combine 1/4 cup tahini, 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce along with 2 tbsp of the adobo sauce, 1 clove garlic, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/4 cup cold water. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more cold water if needed. Taste and season with salt to your liking.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the potatoes are out of the oven, drizzle them generously with the chipotle tahini sauce. Garnish with extra fresh parsley for that extra pop of color. You can serve them warm, and I promise, they won’t last long on the table.
Storing & Reheating
If you find yourself with leftovers of these delicious crispy smashed potatoes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months—just make sure to cool them completely before freezing. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 375°F until they’re heated through and regain some of their original crispiness. Using the oven rather than the microwave will help maintain that delightful crunch!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure you don’t over-boil the potatoes; they should be tender but not mushy before smashing.
- Experiment with different herbs for more flavor; dill or mint can add a refreshing twist.
- For an extra punch, consider sprinkling some additional za’atar on top while the potatoes are baking.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked or leftover potatoes for faster smashing and baking.
- Don’t skip the step of tossing the potatoes with oil and seasonings; this is where the flavor begins!
- Make the chipotle tahini ahead of time, it’s delicious on salads, grain bowls, or as a dip!
Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za’atar offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the toppings or spices—you might just create your own tasty twist. Whether it’s a family meal or a gathering with friends, these potatoes are sure to be the star of the show. Enjoy every bite, and revel in the compliments that come your way!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are great for their size and skin, you can use larger potatoes. Just chop them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking and easier smashing.
How do I ensure the potatoes stay crispy?
Be sure to coat the potatoes generously with olive oil and give them enough space on the baking sheet to avoid steaming. Flipping them halfway through baking also promotes even crispiness.
Can I make the tahini sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the chipotle tahini can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making it a great option to prepare ahead. You can enjoy it on other dishes too!
What should I serve with these potatoes?
These crispy smashed potatoes make a fantastic side dish for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even a hearty salad. They are versatile enough to complement many different meals!
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📖 Recipe Card
Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za’atar
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za’atar offer an irresistible burst of flavor with every bite. This dish is simple to prepare, combining baby potatoes with garlic, za’atar spice, and creamy tahini, making it perfect for a quick dinner or healthy snack.
Ingredients
- 1 lb baby potatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp za’atar spice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup tahini (sesame paste)
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce + 2 tbsp of the adobo sauce
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of water and cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes until fork tender.
- Drain the potatoes and place them in a large bowl.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Add olive oil, za’atar, salt, lemon zest, and chopped parsley to the potatoes and mix well.
- Spread the mixture on a large baking sheet and smash each potato with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake the smashed potatoes for 20 minutes, then flip and bake for another 15 minutes until crispy.
- For the chipotle tahini, blend together tahini, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, cold water, garlic, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the chipotle tahini over the baked potatoes and garnish with more parsley before serving.
Notes
The chipotle tahini can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Feel free to adjust the amount of za’atar according to your taste preferences.
These potatoes are great as a side dish or snack, served warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
