Pan Roasted Red Potatoes are a delightful side dish that brings together the earthy flavor of red potatoes with a crispy, golden exterior and a tender, fluffy interior. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or as a delicious accompaniment to your favorite main courses. Originating from traditional American cuisine, roasted red potatoes have become a favorite due to their simplicity and versatility. In this article, we’ll explore the steps to make perfect pan roasted red potatoes, along with some tips, variations, and nutritional information to help you master this classic dish.
Ingredients
To make the best Pan Roasted Red Potatoes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds small red potatoes, washed and halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for getting the perfect crispiness on the outside of your potatoes while keeping the inside tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash the red potatoes thoroughly and cut them in half. If your potatoes are larger, you can quarter them to ensure even cooking. Soaking red potatoes in water before cooking can help remove excess starch, leading to a crisper texture. Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes, then drain and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
Step 3: Season the Potatoes
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add the potatoes to the bowl and toss them until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
Step 4: Roast the Potatoes
Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as this will help them roast evenly. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, turning the potatoes halfway through to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
The potatoes are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You can test this by inserting a fork into a potato; it should slide in easily.
Step 6: Serve
Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately while they are hot and crispy.
Tips and Variations
Tips for Perfect Pan Roasted Red Potatoes
- Boiling Before Roasting: While it’s not necessary to boil potatoes before roasting, parboiling them for 5-7 minutes can help achieve an even creamier interior.
- High Heat: Roasting at a high temperature (400°F) is key to getting that crispy exterior.
- Even Coating: Ensure the potatoes are well-coated in oil and seasoning to enhance flavor and crispiness.
Variations and Substitutions
- Onions and Peppers: Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the potatoes before roasting for added flavor and texture.
- Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes in the last 5 minutes of roasting for a cheesy twist.
- Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like dill, oregano, or basil for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for a bit of heat.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a basic nutritional breakdown for a serving (1 cup) of Pan Roasted Red Potatoes:
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 3g
Red potatoes are a healthy option due to their lower starch content compared to other potatoes and their high levels of potassium and vitamin C.
Conclusion
Pan Roasted Red Potatoes are an easy, delicious, and versatile side dish that can complement a wide range of meals. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to please. Try out the variations to keep things interesting and don’t forget to share your experiences with us. We’d love to hear how your Pan Roasted Red Potatoes turned out.