Experience the flavors of Greece with this simple and delicious Crispy Greek Lemon Smashed Potatoes recipe. This dish balances the earthy, comforting flavor of potatoes with the bright, tangy taste of fresh lemon. A touch of garlic and oregano completes the Mediterranean profile, creating a side dish that is both satisfying and refreshing.
Semolina and dried oregano may not be commonly found in every kitchen. Semolina is a type of flour made from durum wheat. It's often used in pasta and gives the potatoes a nice crisp texture. Dried oregano is a common spice in Greek cuisine, providing a slightly bitter and pungent flavor. It's worth a trip to your local supermarket to ensure you have these ingredients on hand for this recipe.
Ingredients for Crispy Greek Lemon Smashed Potatoes
potatoes: The base of this dish, providing a fluffy interior and a crispy exterior after baking.
butter: Adds a rich, creamy flavor that complements the potatoes.
lemon juice: Gives the potatoes a tangy flavor, making them light and refreshing.
garlic cloves: Gives the recipe a spicy, aromatic flavor which infuses the potatoes.
dried oregano: An essential Greek herb that adds a flavorful punch.
salt and pepper: Basic seasonings which enhance the overall flavor.
olive oil: Used to lightly coat the potatoes before baking to ensure a crispy exterior.
semolina: This gives the potatoes a wonderful texture and helps them become crispy when broiling.
One reader, Camilla Moseley says:
These crispy Greek lemon smashed potatoes are a game-changer! The perfect blend of tangy lemon and savory garlic creates a burst of flavor with every bite. The crispy texture is simply irresistible. This recipe has become a family favorite – it's a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their potato game!
Key Techniques for Perfecting Crispy Greek Lemon Smashed Potatoes
How to preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to broil (or grill) settings to medium-high heat or 400 degrees F.
How to cook the potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot of salted water, bring to a boil, and cook covered for 30 to 35 minutes or until just fork-tender. Drain well.
How to arrange and flatten the potatoes: Lightly spray a large baking sheet or tray with cooking oil spray. Arrange the cooked potatoes onto the sheet and use a potato masher to lightly flatten the potatoes in one piece.
How to prepare the butter and lemon mixture: Mix together the butter, lemon juice, and garlic until well combined.
How to season and broil the potatoes: Pour the butter and lemon mixture over each potato. Sprinkle with half of the oregano, salt, and pepper. Lightly spray with olive oil spray and sprinkle with semolina. Broil (or grill) for about 15 minutes until they are golden and crispy.
How to serve: To serve, season with a little extra salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
How To Make Crispy Greek Lemon Smashed Potatoes
Crispy exterior with soft, fluffy center, these smashed potatoes are a tasty side dish for any meal. The lemon juice and garlic butter make them flavorful.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 6mediumpotatoesYukon Gold or Carisma
- 3tbspbuttermelted or 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2tbsplemon juicejuice of half a lemon
- 4garlic clovescrushed
- 2tspdried oreganodivided
- Salt and Pepperto taste
- A light spray of olive oil
- ½tspsemolinaoptional
Instructions
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Pre-heat your oven to broil (or grill) settings to medium-high heat or 400 degees F.
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Place potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to the boil. Cook, covered for 30 to 35 minutes or until just fork-tender. Drain well.
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Lightly spray a large baking sheet or tray with cooking oil spray. Arrange potatoes onto the sheet and use a potato masher to lightly flatten the potatoes in one piece.
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Mix together the butter, lemon juice and garlic. Pour the mixture over each potato. Sprinkle with half of the oregano, salt and pepper. Lightly spray with olive oil spray, and sprinkle with semolina.
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Broil (or grill) for about 15 minutes until they are golden and crispy. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with remaining oregano.
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To serve, season with a little extra salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Calories: 262.47kcal
- Fat: 10.51g
- Saturated Fat: 4.34g
- Trans Fat: 0.23g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.79g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.80g
- Carbohydrates: 39.11g
- Fiber: 5.07g
- Sugar: 1.83g
- Protein: 4.65g
- Cholesterol: 15.26mg
- Sodium: 541.85mg
- Calcium: 40.02mg
- Potassium: 925.85mg
- Iron: 1.92mg
- Vitamin A: 49.04µg
- Vitamin C: 44.56mg
Expert Tip for Achieving Extra Crispy Smashed Potatoes
When smashing the potatoes, it's important to do so gently to keep them in one piece. This not only makes for a better presentation, but also ensures that the butter, lemon juice, and garlic mixture can seep into the crevices, enhancing the flavor of the potatoes. Additionally, using a light spray of olive oil before broiling helps to achieve a crispy texture. Lastly, the addition of semolina gives an extra crunch to the potatoes, but it should be sprinkled sparingly to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Smashed Potatoes
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Multi-task: While the potatoes are boiling, prepare the butter and lemon mixture to save time.
Use a non-stick tray: This will make it easier to remove the potatoes and prevent sticking, saving time on cleanup.
Broil instead of bake: Broiling cooks the potatoes faster and gives them a crispy texture, saving time in the oven.
Invest in a good potato masher: A quality masher will make the flattening process quicker and more efficient.
Organize your workspace: Keep all ingredients and tools within reach to avoid wasting time searching for items during cooking.
Preheat the oven: Ensure the oven is fully preheated before placing the potatoes inside for efficient cooking.
Adjust cooking time: Keep an eye on the potatoes while broiling to prevent burning and ensure they reach the desired level of crispiness.
Clean as you go: Wash utensils and tools while the potatoes are broiling to minimize post-cooking cleanup time.
Substitute Ingredients For Crispy Greek Lemon Smashed Potatoes Recipe
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potatoes – Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes can provide a similar texture and flavor, adding a hint of sweetness to the dish.
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butter – Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter, providing a different flavor profile.
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lemon juice – Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can offer a tangy acidity similar to lemon juice, enhancing the flavor of the dish.
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garlic cloves – Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh garlic, providing a similar flavor.
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dried oregano – Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme can be used as a substitute for oregano, adding a slightly different herbal note to the dish.
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semolina – Substitute with cornmeal: Cornmeal can provide a similar texture and crunch when used as a coating for the potatoes.
Presentation Ideas for Smashed Greek Potatoes
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Elevate the plating: Arrange the crispy Greek lemon smashed potatoes in a circular motion on a large, elegant plate. Ensure each potato is positioned with precision and care, creating a visually stunning display.
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Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the plated potatoes with finely chopped fresh oregano and lemon zest to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh, aromatic flavors.
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Incorporate a drizzle: Artfully drizzle a delicate lemon-infused olive oil over the potatoes, creating a glossy sheen and enhancing the citrusy notes of the dish.
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Add a touch of elegance with edible flowers: Place a few carefully selected edible flowers around the potatoes, adding a touch of sophistication and a subtle hint of floral fragrance to the presentation.
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Enhance with a sprinkle of sea salt: Just before serving, delicately sprinkle a pinch of Mediterranean sea salt over the potatoes, adding a final touch of flavor and texture to the dish.
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Serve on a bed of fresh greens: Present the potatoes on a vibrant bed of microgreens or baby arugula, adding a contrasting color and a refreshing element to the overall presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Crispy Smashed Potatoes
- Potato masher: A kitchen tool used to mash cooked potatoes into a desired consistency.
- Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking and broiling foods in the oven.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Lemon Smashed Potatoes
- Let the potatoes cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, simply place the potatoes on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the smashed potatoes. Once cooled, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 2-3 hours.
- Transfer the frozen potatoes to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents.
- Frozen smashed potatoes will keep well for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat frozen potatoes, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. No need to thaw them first!
- Keep in mind that the texture of the potatoes may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but they will still be delicious and crispy.
How to Reheat Leftover Lemon Smashed Potatoes
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To reheat leftover crispy greek lemon smashed potatoes, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will help them crisp up again without sticking to the pan.
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Before placing the potatoes in the oven, brush them lightly with some olive oil or melted butter. This will help restore their crispy exterior and prevent them from drying out during the reheating process.
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Sprinkle a little extra oregano, salt, and pepper over the potatoes to refresh their flavors. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra zing.
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Place the baking sheet with the potatoes in the preheated oven and reheat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.
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Alternatively, you can reheat the potatoes in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the potatoes in the basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the potatoes are crispy and heated through.
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For a quick and easy method, you can also reheat the potatoes in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 30-second intervals until they are warmed through. However, keep in mind that this method won't restore their crispy texture.
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If you have a large batch of leftover potatoes, you can reheat them in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a little olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and crispy on the outside.
Interesting Trivia About Crispy Greek Lemon Smashed Potatoes
The Greek lemon smashed potatoes recipe is a delightful dish that combines the zesty flavor of lemon with the crispy texture of smashed potatoes. This recipe involves boiling the potatoes until they are fork-tender, then flattening and seasoning them with a mixture of butter, lemon juice, and garlic. The addition of oregano, salt, and pepper enhances the flavor, while a light spray of olive oil and semolina creates a crispy exterior. The potatoes are then broiled until golden and crispy, resulting in a delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Budget-Friendly: Making Crispy Greek Lemon Smashed Potatoes at Home
The cost-effectiveness of this Greek lemon smashed potatoes recipe is quite high. Potatoes are a budget-friendly staple, and the additional ingredients such as butter, lemon juice, and garlic are commonly found in most households. The dish offers a satisfying and flavorful option for a family meal. Rating: 9/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $8-$10, making it an affordable and delicious choice for a family dinner.
Are Crispy Greek Lemon Smashed Potatoes Healthy?
The crispy Greek lemon smashed potatoes recipe is a relatively healthy dish with some room for improvement. Here's a breakdown of the recipe's healthiness:
Positives:
- Potatoes are a good source of fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and minerals like potassium and iron
- Lemon juice adds vitamin C and helps to reduce the glycemic index of the potatoes
- Garlic provides anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties
- Oregano contains antioxidants and may have anti-bacterial properties
Negatives:
- The recipe uses butter, which is high in saturated fat
- Depending on the amount of salt used, the dish may be high in sodium
- The use of olive oil spray and semolina may add extra calories and carbohydrates
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace butter with a healthier alternative like olive oil or a small amount of Greek yogurt
- Use less salt and focus on enhancing the flavor with herbs and spices like garlic, oregano, and black pepper
- Instead of using olive oil spray and semolina, try brushing the potatoes with a small amount of olive oil to achieve a crispy texture
- Serve the potatoes with a side of fresh vegetables or a green salad to increase the overall nutrient content of the meal
- Experiment with using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for an added boost of vitamins and minerals
Editor's Take on This Delightful Greek Potato Recipe
This recipe for Crispy Greek Lemon Smashed Potatoes is a delightful twist on a classic side dish. The combination of butter, lemon juice, and garlic creates a zesty and aromatic flavor profile, while the use of semolina adds a satisfying crunch. The method of smashing the potatoes before roasting allows for a perfect balance of crispy edges and fluffy interiors. The dish is beautifully seasoned with oregano, salt, and pepper, enhancing the overall taste. It's a simple yet elegant addition to any meal, and its vibrant Mediterranean flavors are sure to impress.
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Why trust this Crispy Greek Lemon Smashed Potatoes Recipe:
This crispy Greek lemon smashed potatoes recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, creating a mouthwatering dish that will tantalize your taste buds. The combination of butter, lemon juice, and garlic infuses the potatoes with a zesty and aromatic essence, while the broiling process ensures a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. With the addition of oregano and a touch of semolina, these potatoes boast a unique Greek-inspired twist that is both comforting and exciting. Trust in the simplicity and authenticity of this recipe to elevate your culinary experience and impress your guests with its irresistible appeal.
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