Name: Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za'atar
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
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

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Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za’atar are not just any side dish; they are a delightful medley of flavors and textures that make for the perfect accompaniment to nearly any meal. Imagine baby potatoes, tender and fluffy on the inside, smashed to perfection and then baked until their edges are crispy and golden brown. The aromatic blend of za’atar spice lifts these potatoes to new heights, bringing a pinch of Middle Eastern flair that elevates your dinner table.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za’atar
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za’atar

Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za'atar

Every time I prepare these crispy smashed potatoes, I’m reminded of a cozy gathering with friends, where everyone can’t help but reach for another helping. Whether you’re dealing with a weekday dinner or planning for a festive occasion, this recipe delivers an unforgettably satisfying crunch that keeps everyone coming back for more. It’s easy to whip up and definitely a crowd-pleaser, so grab those potatoes and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep and 60 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a delicious side dish ready to serve.
Irresistible Flavor: The za’atar spice and crispy texture create a mouthwatering combination that pairs beautifully with any main dish.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The joyful, rustic appearance of smashed potatoes topped with fresh parsley is sure to impress your guests.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, casual dinners, or even as a snack, there’s no wrong time to enjoy these delightful bites.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free and vegan diets, ensuring everyone can indulge without worry.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb baby potatoes: These tiny potatoes have the perfect texture for smashing and crisping. If unavailable, feel free to use red or Yukon gold potatoes, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve that golden-brown, crispy exterior. Substitute with avocado oil or melted coconut oil for a different flavor.
1 tbsp za’atar spice: This Middle Eastern spice blend will give your potatoes a unique flavor. If you cannot find it, consider making your own using dried thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, and sumac.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: For a fresh, vibrant touch, parsley not only adds color but also a burst of flavor. You can swap it for cilantro for a different taste.
1/4 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning the potatoes as they bake. Adjust to your preference.
1 tsp lemon zest: This ingredient brightens the dish with citrusy notes. Use lemon juice if you don’t have zest, but it should be less than a teaspoon.
1/4 cup tahini (sesame paste): Creamy and nutty, tahini serves as the base for the sauce that accompanies these potatoes.
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce + 2 tbsp of the adobo sauce: These add a delightful smoky heat to the tahini sauce. Adjust based on how spicy you like it!
1/4 cup cold water: Used to thin out the sauce. For creamier tahini, omit this for a thicker finish.
1 clove garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the tahini with a robust flavor. Feel free to add more if you love the garlic kick!
1 tbsp lemon juice: A splash adds acidity to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Salt to taste: For seasoning the tahini sauce or adjusting the potatoes after baking.

How to Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za’atar

Boil Potatoes: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a vigorous boil. Add 1 lb of baby potatoes and allow them to cook for about 15-20 minutes until they are tender when pierced with a fork.

Drain and Bowl: Once cooked, carefully drain the potatoes and transfer them to a large bowl. This step allows them to release steam, ensuring they become even crispier later on.

Preheat Oven: While your potatoes are cooling slightly, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). The right oven temperature is crucial for that perfect crunch!

Season Potatoes: Drizzle 1/4 cup of olive oil over the potatoes. Sprinkle in 1 tbsp of za’atar spice, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp lemon zest, and the chopped parsley. Toss gently until every potato is evenly coated in the aromatic mixture.

Smash Potatoes: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the seasoned potatoes on the baking sheet and, using the bottom of a glass, gently smash each potato until it’s flattened but not falling apart.

Bake First Round: Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you should start to see the edges turning golden and crispy.

Flip for Crispiness: After 20 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and flip each smashed potato over. Return them to the oven for another 15 minutes to ensure both sides get gorgeously crispy and inviting.

Blend Tahini Sauce: While the potatoes are baking, it’s time to prepare the chipotle tahini sauce. In a blender, combine 1/4 cup tahini, 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, 2 tbsp of the adobo sauce, 1/4 cup cold water, 1 clove garlic, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting with more water as needed for your desired consistency.

Serve & Enjoy: When your potatoes are perfectly browned, remove them from the oven and drizzle the chipotle tahini sauce generously over the top. Garnish with more fresh parsley if you like, and dig in!

Storing & Reheating

You can store leftover crispy smashed potatoes at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. For longer storage, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. If you want to enjoy them later, freezing is an option too; just place them in a freezer-safe bag and store them for a maximum of 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until crispy again. Keep in mind, reheating may alter the texture slightly, but you can refresh the crispiness in the oven.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid crowding the baking sheet; give each potato space to crisp up properly.
Ensure the tahini sauce is smooth; blending well helps to prevent any clumps.
If your potatoes seem dry, consider drizzling a little more olive oil before baking them.
For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle a bit more za’atar on top before serving.
Feel free to prepare the tahini sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for easy assembly later.

These crispy smashed potatoes with garlic and za’atar are a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire. The comfort of crispy outsides hugging fluffy interiors is a universal joy. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe uniquely yours; feel free to add toppings or sides that resonate with your taste buds. Your friends and family will surely appreciate the delightful burst of flavor and texture. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use larger potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure to cut them into smaller chunks before boiling to ensure they cook evenly. Larger potatoes may require a bit more boiling time, so aim for fork-tender before smashing.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe is already vegan! The tahini sauce is dairy-free and packed with flavor, making it a perfect accompaniment to the potatoes.

Can I prepare these smashed potatoes in advance?

Yes, you can pre-boil the potatoes a day ahead, let them cool, and then refrigerate them. When you’re ready, season and bake them as directed; they’ll still be just as delicious.

How can I adjust the spice level of the tahini sauce?

If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chipotle pepper used, or omit it altogether. Instead, try adding a dash of smoked paprika to maintain that smoky essence without the heat!