Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za’atar
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za’atar are everything your taste buds crave! Perfectly little baby potatoes get tenderized before being smashed and roasted to crunchy perfection. Infused with the warm, aromatic spices of za’atar and drizzled with a smoky chipotle tahini, these potatoes are more than a mere side dish; they’re a celebration of flavor and texture. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or want a cozy weeknight meal, this dish effortlessly steals the spotlight.
Table of Contents
I first encountered this delightful recipe on a chilly evening, longing for something hearty yet packed with flavor. I was immediately drawn to the unique combination of za’atar and chipotle tahini, which promised a delightful mix of fresh and smoky tastes. What started as a simple potato dish transformed into a celebration of spices and textures, satisfying both my craving for comfort food and my adventurous palate. Seriously, once you try these potatoes, you’ll be dreaming about them long after dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep and an hour in total, you’ll have a delicious side dish ready to impress.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of za’atar and chipotle tahini brings an exciting flavor explosion to every bite.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Golden, crispy potatoes drizzled with a beautiful tahini sauce make for an impressive presentation.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion—be it a snack, side for dinner, or even brunch.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily tailored for vegan diets, making it perfect for any guest at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb baby potatoes: These smaller spuds are perfect for smashing and roasting, providing a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Feel free to use another waxy potato if needed.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the taste while helping achieve that golden, crispy finish.
- 1 tbsp za’atar spice: This traditional Middle Eastern blend of herbs and spices adds depth and an earthy flavor that makes the potatoes extraordinary. Look for a mix that contains thyme, oregano, sumac, and sesame seeds.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh finish that brightens up the dish, parsley is essential for garnish as well as flavor.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Just a touch of salt enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1 tsp lemon zest: Brightens the dish and adds a fragrant citrus note. Make sure to zest only the yellow part of the lemon.
- 1/4 cup tahini (sesame paste): This creamy paste brings a nutty element and richness to the dish; it’s what makes the sauce silky.
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce + 2 tbsp of the adobo sauce: Adds smokiness and heat, giving the tahini sauce a unique kick. Adjust to your preference.
- 1/4 cup cold water: Used to thin the tahini sauce to the desired consistency.
- 1 clove garlic: Fresh garlic adds pungency and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Amplifies the fresh flavors in the tahini and ties all the components together.
- Salt to taste: Always adjust salt to enhance and balance the flavors to your liking.
How to Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za’atar
Boil the Potatoes: Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add in the 1 lb baby potatoes and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. You’ll know they’re ready when a knife easily pierces through.
Drain and Cool: Once cooked, drain the potatoes in a colander. Let them cool briefly before transferring them to a large mixing bowl—this makes handling them easier.
Preheat the Oven: While the potatoes cool, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures the potatoes roast perfectly and develop that golden crust.
Season the Potatoes: Drizzle the cooled potatoes with 1/4 cup olive oil; sprinkle in the 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 evenly coated.
Smash the Potatoes: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Transfer the seasoned potatoes onto the baking sheet and gently smash each one with the bottom of a glass. The hint of resistance means you’ve got them just right!
Bake the Potatoes: Place the smashed potatoes in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the edges turn golden and crispy. Flip each one and then bake for an additional 15 minutes to achieve maximum crunchiness.
Blend the Chipotle Tahini: While your potatoes roast, prepare the sauce by blending together 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 in a blender or with an immersion blender until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt to taste.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the potatoes are giant golden crunch bombs, drizzle the smoked chipotle tahini over them. Garnish with extra fresh parsley for a pop of color, and they’re ready to be devoured!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Crispy Smashed Potatoes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If refrigerated, they will last up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a sealed bag—these can be kept for up to three months. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes for that freshly-baked texture. The flavor and crispiness will be best if freshly made, but reheating brings them back to life!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Pay attention while smashing; you want them flat but not falling apart. Achieving the perfect zone of smash means the crispy edges can form without losing the tender center.
- Avoid boiling your potatoes for too long, as this can make them mushy. You want them fork-tender but firm enough to hold their shape during smashing.
- If you want extra crispiness, you can broil them for an additional few minutes after baking, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- For a milder sauce, use less adobo or start with half a chipotle pepper before adjusting.
- Make the chipotle tahini a day in advance for flavors to meld, and it will last up to two weeks in the fridge!
Whether you’re craving something hearty, need a standout side for your next dinner party, or just want to give your weeknight meals a twist, these Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za’atar are sure to impress. The blending of za’atar spices with smoky tahini creates an incredible depth of flavor that will surely keep you coming back for more. Don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe to your liking; after all, cooking is about exploration and having fun! Enjoy these crispy delights and let their flavors inspire your next culinary adventure.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are ideal due to their size and texture, you can use other types like Yukon Gold or Red potatoes. Just ensure they’re similar in size to ensure even cooking.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To amp up the heat, consider adding more chipotle pepper to the tahini sauce or even a dash of cayenne pepper directly onto the potatoes before roasting. Taste as you go for the perfect balance!
Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Cook and smash the potatoes ahead of time. Just store them in the refrigerator and roast them fresh right before the meal. They only take about 25 minutes in the oven when pre-cooked.
Is the tahini sauce customizable?
Definitely! The tahini sauce is versatile. You can add more garlic for a pungent kick, or even blend in some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
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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: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
These Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za’atar are packed with irresistible flavor. Made with simple ingredients, this dish makes for a delightful side or snack that’s perfect for quick dinners or special occasions.
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. Add potatoes and cook until fork tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a large bowl.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Add olive oil, za’atar spice, salt, lemon zest, and chopped parsley to the bowl with potatoes. Toss until evenly coated.
- Spread the potatoes on a large baking sheet. Smash each potato flat using the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then flip each potato and bake for another 15 minutes until crispy.
- Prepare the chipotle tahini by blending tahini, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, cold water, garlic, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the chipotle tahini over the potatoes before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
These potatoes are delicious served hot but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
Store leftover chipotle tahini in the fridge for up to 2 weeks for future use.
Adjust the spice levels by adding more or less chipotle pepper based on your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
