Italian Smashed Potatoes

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) potatoes 1 kg (2.2 lbs) potatoes
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated parmesan cheese 1/2 cup (50g) grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 36g, 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. 2.
   Wash the potatoes thoroughly and place them in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. 3.
   Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. 4.
   Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently press down on each potato to flatten it, without completely breaking it apart.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, olive oil, dried rosemary, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture over each smashed potato, ensuring they are well coated.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the potatoes.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best results. Avoid waxy potatoes as they won't yield the desired fluffy texture.
• Parmesan cheese — Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for maximum flavor. If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, you can substitute it with pecorino romano.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra crispiness, flip the potatoes halfway through baking.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile.
• Serve the smashed potatoes with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped chives for added richness.

Serving advice

Serve the crispy garlic parmesan smashed potatoes as a side dish alongside roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or as a delicious appetizer.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden-brown smashed potatoes on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley. Serve them in a rustic manner to highlight their homemade charm.