If you’ve ever craved the perfect side dish, these Ultimate Crispy Greek Lemon Potatoes are about to become your new favorite. Bursting with tangy lemon and aromatic herbs, they’re crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Perfect for any meal, these potatoes are a delicious taste of Greece you’ll want to make again and again.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) or 180°C (fan). Peel and cut large potatoes into thick wedges, roughly 3cm (1.2 inches) thick, and medium potatoes into three parts.
- In a roasting pan, combine the potato pieces with chicken stock, olive oil, lemon juice, finely grated garlic, dried oregano, and salt. Toss everything together to coat the potatoes evenly.
- Roast the potatoes in the oven for 20 minutes, then turn them over. Continue roasting for another 25 to 30 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed and only oil remains in the pan.
- For an optional crispy finish, transfer the potatoes to a different baking tray. Tilt the original pan to collect the oil, then drizzle it over the potatoes on the new tray.
- Return the potatoes to the oven and roast them for an additional 35 to 40 minutes, turning once or twice, until they develop golden, slightly crispy edges.
- Optionally, place the original pan with the garlic juices back in the oven for the last 5 to 10 minutes to reduce and caramelize the garlic.
- Arrange the cooked potatoes on a serving dish and pour over the reduced garlic pan juices. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh oregano if desired before serving.
Ingredients
- 1.2 kg (2.5 lbs) potatoes (such as Desiree, Yukon Gold, or Maris Piper)
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 5 garlic cloves, finely grated
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons salt
- Optional garnish: Lemon wedges and fresh oregano leaves
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1745 | Carbohydrates: 160g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 110g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Sodium: 4880mg | Potassium: 5395mg | Fiber: 30g | Vitamin C: 170mg | Calcium: 400mg | Iron: 40.5mg
FAQ
- What makes Greek Lemon Potatoes different from regular roasted potatoes?
- Greek Lemon Potatoes are unique because they are initially braised in a lemon-garlic broth before being roasted. This method allows the potatoes to absorb rich flavors throughout, resulting in a taste that’s quite distinct from typical roasted potatoes.
- Why do the potatoes need to be transferred to a separate tray during cooking?
- Transferring the potatoes to a separate tray helps achieve a golden exterior without burning the garlic. If kept in the same pan, the potatoes may not brown as evenly, and there’s a risk of burnt garlic.
- Can I achieve crispy potatoes with this recipe?
- While Greek Lemon Potatoes develop crispy edges, they won’t be as crunchy as some other roast potatoes due to the braising process. For ultra-crispy potatoes, recipes like Duck Fat Potatoes or Truly Crunchy Roast Potatoes are recommended.
- What type of potatoes should I use for this recipe?
- It’s best to use starchy potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or Maris Piper, as they absorb flavors better than waxy varieties. In Australia, Sebago potatoes are a good alternative.
- Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
- Yes, vegetable stock can be used in place of chicken stock. You can also substitute with water and stock cubes, though liquid stock typically offers a richer flavor.
Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for starchy potatoes, such as Desiree, Yukon Gold, or Maris Piper, as they absorb flavors better than waxy varieties. This ensures that the lemon-garlic broth infuses well into the potatoes.
- Avoid Burnt Garlic: Use a microplane to finely grate garlic, allowing it to dissolve into the broth and preventing burnt bits from forming during cooking.
- Transfer for Crispiness: Consider transferring the potatoes to a separate tray for the final roasting stage. This helps achieve a golden, crispy finish without burnt edges or garlic, enhancing both texture and flavor.
- Monitor Salt Usage: Though the recipe calls for a seemingly high amount of salt, potatoes require this to bring out their flavor effectively. Adjust according to taste, but remember it’s essential for seasoning.
Equipment
- Microplane Grater – For finely grating garlic.
- Roasting Pan – A good quality roasting pan for braising and roasting the potatoes.
- Oven Thermometer – To ensure the oven is at the correct temperature, especially if your oven is not calibrated.
