Crushed Potatoes

Crushed Potatoes Recipe - Vegetarian Cuban Dish

Region / culture: Cuba | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Crushed potatoes are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. The combination of fluffy insides and crispy exteriors makes them a crowd-pleaser at any meal.

History

Crushed potatoes have been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. Originally, they were made by hand-crushing boiled potatoes with a fork or masher. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include different seasonings and cooking methods.

Ingredients

non-stick cooking spray
8 medium-sized new potatoes
kosher salt
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, minced
2 tbsp parsley, chopped
black pepper to taste

How to prepare

In a medium saucepan, add the potatoes and enough water to cover them. Lightly salt the water and bring it to a simmer.
Cook the potatoes until they are just tender, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Then, drain the potatoes.
Preheat the broiler.
Lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
Place one potato on a clean dish towel and fold the towel over the top of the potato.
Press down firmly on the covered potato with the palm of your hand, lightly crushing it.
Transfer the crushed potato to the prepared baking sheet and repeat the process with the remaining potatoes.
Brush the tops of the potatoes with oil.
Broil the potatoes until the tops are brown and crusty, which should take about 5-8 minutes.
Before serving, sprinkle the potatoes with onions, parsley, salt, and pepper.

Variations

Try adding grated Parmesan cheese or chopped bacon for extra flavor.
For a spicy kick, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving.
Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or chives.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use new potatoes for this recipe, as they have a thin skin and a waxy texture that holds up well to crushing and broiling.

- Make sure to not overcook the potatoes, as they should be just tender before crushing them.

- Brushing the potatoes with oil before broiling helps them achieve a crispy exterior.

- Feel free to customize the seasonings to your liking, such as adding garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Crushed potatoes are perfect served alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread or as a side dish for a holiday meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect crushed potatoes is to boil them until just tender, then lightly crush them before broiling to achieve a crispy exterior.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have new potatoes, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes instead. You can also use vegetable oil or melted butter in place of olive oil.

Make Ahead Tips

You can boil the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to crush and broil them. This makes them a great make-ahead side dish for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve crushed potatoes on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. You can also sprinkle them with flaky sea salt before serving for an extra pop of flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Crushed potatoes pair well with a variety of main dishes, such as roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a hearty vegetable stew. They also make a great addition to a picnic or barbecue spread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover crushed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven or toaster oven until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of crushed potatoes contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of crushed potatoes contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of crushed potatoes contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of crushed potatoes contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Crushed potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free. However, if you have allergies to any specific ingredients, be sure to check the labels before using them.

Summary

Crushed potatoes are a nutritious side dish that is low in calories and fat, while providing essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Crushed potatoes are a versatile and delicious side dish that is easy to make and pairs well with a variety of main courses. With a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, they are sure to become a new favorite at your dinner table.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, the kind of day that makes you want to spend hours in the kitchen, cooking up a storm. I was visiting my dear friend Alice, who was known for her amazing culinary skills. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most wonderful aroma - a mixture of garlic, herbs, and butter.

Alice was busy at the stove, stirring a pot of creamy mashed potatoes. I watched in awe as she added a generous amount of butter and cream, and then she took out a wooden mallet and started crushing the potatoes. The result was a dish that was not only delicious but also had a unique texture that I had never experienced before.

I begged Alice to share her recipe with me, and after much persuasion, she finally relented. She handed me a tattered old notebook, filled with handwritten recipes that she had collected over the years. The recipe for Crushed Potatoes was tucked away on the last page, written in her elegant cursive handwriting.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. It has become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that never fails to impress my family and friends. The secret to the perfect Crushed Potatoes lies in the method of preparation - the potatoes must be cooked just right, not too soft and not too firm. And of course, a generous amount of butter and cream never hurts!

I remember the first time I made Crushed Potatoes for my family. It was a Sunday afternoon, and we were gathered around the table for a leisurely lunch. I brought out a steaming bowl of the potatoes, topped with a sprinkling of fresh herbs. As soon as my family took their first bite, their eyes lit up with delight. They couldn't stop raving about how delicious the dish was, and I knew then that I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a family favorite.

As the years passed, I continued to make Crushed Potatoes for special occasions and gatherings. It became my signature dish, the one that everyone looked forward to whenever they came over for dinner. I loved the way the potatoes would melt in your mouth, the creamy texture punctuated by the occasional lump of potato skin. It was a dish that never failed to bring a smile to people's faces, and for that, I was grateful.

One day, as I was flipping through my recipe book, I came across the handwritten recipe for Crushed Potatoes. It brought back a flood of memories - of lazy afternoons spent in the kitchen, of the laughter and chatter of friends and family gathered around the table. I realized then that this recipe was more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions. It was a reminder of the joy that cooking and sharing food can bring, a way to connect with loved ones and create lasting memories.

I decided then and there that I would pass on this recipe to future generations, so that they too could experience the magic of Crushed Potatoes. I carefully copied the recipe onto a fresh sheet of paper, making sure to include all the little tweaks and tips that I had picked up over the years. I wanted whoever made this dish to feel the same sense of satisfaction and pride that I did every time I served it to my loved ones.

As I write this, I can almost smell the aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through my kitchen, the sound of laughter and chatter filling the air. Crushed Potatoes may just be a simple dish, but to me, it represents so much more. It is a reminder of the joy of cooking, the pleasure of sharing food with others, and the love that goes into every dish we create. And for that, I am forever grateful.