Roasted potatoes are a timeless side dish that complements almost any meal. When paired with the bold flavors of harissa butter, they become an unforgettable culinary delight. This recipe combines the crispy texture of perfectly roasted potatoes with the spicy and aromatic essence of harissa, a North African chili paste. Let’s dive into this flavorful adventure and learn how to make these Roasted Potatoes with Harissa Butter.
Introduction
Roasted potatoes have always been a favorite for their versatility and ease of preparation. Adding harissa butter elevates this classic dish, bringing a spicy, smoky flavor that can transform your meal. Harissa, originating from Tunisia, is a blend of roasted red peppers, spices, and herbs that adds a fiery kick to any dish. This recipe is not just about the potatoes but also an introduction to the vibrant world of harissa.
Ingredients
For the Roasted Potatoes:
- 2 pounds of baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
For the Harissa Butter:
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons of harissa paste
- 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of finely chopped parsley
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and halve the baby potatoes. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Season the Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until they are evenly coated.
Step 2: Roasting the Potatoes
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure they are not overcrowded to ensure even roasting.
- Roast: Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
Step 3: Preparing the Harissa Butter
- Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, harissa paste, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more harissa paste for extra heat or more lemon juice for a tangy flavor.
Step 4: Combining the Potatoes and Harissa Butter
- Toss the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are roasted, transfer them to a large bowl. Add the harissa butter and toss until the potatoes are well coated with the spicy, flavorful butter.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the harissa-coated potatoes to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips and Variations
Tips for Perfect Roasted Potatoes
- Dry the Potatoes: Ensure the potatoes are thoroughly dried before roasting to achieve a crispy exterior.
- Even Cutting: Cut the potatoes into even sizes to ensure they cook uniformly.
- High Heat: Roasting at a high temperature ensures a crispy outside and a fluffy inside.
Variations
- Harissa Potatoes with Yogurt: Serve the roasted potatoes with a dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with a teaspoon of harissa for a creamy, spicy dip.
- Harissa Smashed Potatoes: Boil the potatoes until tender, smash them slightly, and then roast with harissa butter for a different texture.
- Harissa Potatoes Salad: Turn this dish into a warm salad by adding some arugula and a simple lemon vinaigrette.
- Air Fryer Harissa Potatoes: For a quicker cooking method, try air frying the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (Based on 4 Servings):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
Conclusion
These Roasted Potatoes with Harissa Butter are a perfect blend of crispy texture and spicy flavor, making them a standout side dish for any meal. Whether you’re serving them with a simple grilled protein or as part of a festive spread, these potatoes are sure to impress. Try this recipe and experience the magic of harissa in your kitchen. Don’t forget to leave a comment, share your version on social media, and subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes from easycrispyrecipes.com.