Smashed Fried Lemon Potatoes

Crispy, zesty, & utterly irresistible! These smashed lemon potatoes are a flavor explosion. 💥🥔🍋

1. Before You Begin:

Smashed Fried Lemon Potatoes are a delightful twist on classic fried potatoes, offering a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior infused with bright lemon flavor. This simple yet elegant dish is perfect as a side or a satisfying snack.

2. Required Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pound (24 oz. bag) fingerling potatoes, all the same size if possible
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped flat leaf Italian parsley
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 2 garlic cloves peeled and end core removed
• Juice of 1 large lemon
• Zest of 1 large lemon
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

3. Let’s Get Cooking:

Begin by boiling the potatoes until tender. Gently smash them and then fry them in olive oil until golden brown and crispy. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and your choice of seasonings for a burst of flavor.

Step 1: Boil the potatoes

Place the well-scrubbed potatoes in a large pot filled with salted water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Cook the potatoes until they are tender, which should take approximately 20 minutes.

Step 2: Mash the potatoes

Drain the boiled potatoes and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Then, using the palm of your hand or the back of a large spatula, gently press down on the potatoes until they are slightly mashed. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat in preparation for frying.

Step 3: Sauté the garlic

Add the minced garlic to the hot olive oil in the skillet. Cook the garlic, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Step 4: Remove the garlic

Remove the sautéed garlic from the skillet and set it aside in a small bowl. This infused garlic will be added back later to enhance the flavor of the potatoes. Be sure to scrape all the garlic pieces out of the pan.

Step 5: Crisp the potatoes

Add the mashed potatoes to the skillet with the remaining olive oil. Cook the potatoes without stirring for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the bottoms to become nicely golden brown and crispy. Then, using a spatula or tongs, carefully turn the potatoes and cook for another 5 to 8 minutes until evenly browned.

Step 6: Prepare the dressing

Transfer the cooked potatoes to a large plate. In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped fresh rosemary, parsley, thyme, vinegar, and sea salt. This vibrant dressing will coat and flavor the potatoes.

Step 7: Dress the potatoes

Gently add the cooked potatoes to the bowl containing the lemon dressing. Carefully toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated with the dressing, being mindful not to break them apart too much. Serve immediately and enjoy.

4. Serving Suggestions

Serve these smashed fried lemon potatoes as a side dish with grilled meats or fish. They also make a delicious snack on their own, especially with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of aioli.

5. Nutrition

Serving size: 4 servings, Calories: 199kcal, Protein: 4g, Fat: 7g, Carbohydrates: 31g, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 2g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 302mg

6. Wrapping It Up:

Smashed Fried Lemon Potatoes are a delightful and easy way to elevate your potato game. The combination of crispy texture and zesty lemon flavor is simply irresistible. Try this recipe and share the joy!