Zaatar Roasted Potatoes: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Side Dish

Zaatar roasted potatoes bring a unique and delightful Middle Eastern twist to the classic roasted potato dish. Infused with the aromatic and tangy flavors of za’atar, these potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with vibrant tastes. Whether you’re familiar with za’atar or it’s your first time encountering this spice blend, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Let’s dive into the origins, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions to create this mouthwatering dish.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 pounds of potatoes (preferably Yukon Gold or Russet), cut into wedges
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of za’atar spice blend
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving crispy roast potatoes.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Wash and Cut: Thoroughly wash the potatoes and cut them into wedges. For even cooking, try to keep the wedges uniform in size.
2. Dry: Pat the potato wedges dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for crispiness.

Step 3: Season the Potatoes

1. Mix Seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, za’atar spice blend, salt, and black pepper.
2. Coat Potatoes: Add the potato wedges to the bowl and toss them until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.

Step 4: Roast the Potatoes

1. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned potato wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the potatoes to ensure they cook evenly.
3. Check for Crispiness: The potatoes are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. If necessary, roast for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Step 5: Add Lemon and Garnish

1. Lemon Zest and Juice: As soon as the potatoes come out of the oven, sprinkle them with fresh lemon zest and drizzle with lemon juice. This adds a bright and tangy flavor that complements the za’atar perfectly.
2. Garnish: Transfer the potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Tips and Variations

Tips for Perfect Roasted Potatoes

• Uniform Size: Cutting the potatoes into uniform wedges ensures even cooking.
• Dry Potatoes: Drying the potatoes thoroughly before roasting helps achieve a crispy exterior.
• High Heat: Roasting at a high temperature is key to getting that desired crispiness.

Variations and Substitutions

• Za’atar Potatoes Ottolenghi: Add a touch of elegance by incorporating roasted garlic and a drizzle of tahini sauce, inspired by chef Yotam Ottolenghi.
• Za’atar Potatoes Air Fryer: For a quicker version, cook the seasoned potatoes in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Za’atar Potato Wedges: Serve the potato wedges as a snack or appetizer with a side of yogurt dip.
• Lemon Za’atar Potatoes: Enhance the lemon flavor by adding lemon slices to the baking sheet while roasting.
• Za’atar Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a naturally sweeter variation.
• Za’atar Potato Salad: Turn leftovers into a delicious cold salad by mixing the roasted potatoes with chopped vegetables and a simple vinaigrette.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the basic nutritional information per serving (based on four servings):

• Calories: 220
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 3g

Conclusion

Zaatar roasted potatoes are a delightful and flavorful side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. The combination of crispy potatoes with the aromatic and tangy za’atar spice blend, enhanced by the freshness of lemon and parsley, creates a dish that is both simple and impressive. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or a special gathering, these potatoes are sure to be a hit.