Rosemary-roasted Potatoes

Italian Vegan/Vegetarian Rosemary-Roasted Potatoes Recipe with Balsamic Vinegar

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Rosemary-roasted potatoes are a delicious and savory side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. The combination of tender potatoes, aromatic rosemary, and garlic creates a flavorful dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

The origins of rosemary-roasted potatoes can be traced back to Mediterranean cuisine, where rosemary is a commonly used herb in cooking. Potatoes have been a staple food in many cultures for centuries, and roasting them with herbs and spices is a popular way to enhance their flavor.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) small red-skinned potatoes, scrubbed
2 cloves garlic, peeled and bruised
1.5 to 2 tbsp olive oil
0.5 tsp crushed or finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tbsp water or vegetable broth
1 small onion, red, white, or yellow only, halved and thinly sliced, optional
splash of balsamic vinegar, optional

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 425° F.
Halve or quarter the potatoes lengthwise into bite-size pieces.
Place them in a 13-x-9 inch gratin dish or shallow baking dish, and add garlic, oil, rosemary, and salt and pepper to taste.
Sprinkle water or broth over the potatoes, then spread them evenly in the dish.
Cover the dish with a lid or foil, leaving a gap for steam to escape.
Place the dish on the center oven rack and cook the potatoes for 15 minutes.
Remove the covering and stir the potatoes. Bake until they are done when pierced with a paring knife, about 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle 1 tsp of balsamic vinegar over the potatoes, stirring to coat. Serve hot, plain, or with any side dish, main dish, or appetizer.

Variations

Add 1 small onion, halved and thinly sliced, to the potatoes, and cook as directed.
Serve hot. Optionally, garnish with rosemary butter.
Try using different herbs, such as thyme or oregano, in place of rosemary.
Add diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for added flavor and color.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes before serving for a cheesy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to scrub the potatoes well before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.

- Cutting the potatoes into bite-size pieces ensures that they cook evenly and quickly.

- Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking adds a tangy flavor to the dish.

- Stirring the potatoes halfway through cooking helps to ensure that they are evenly coated with the seasonings.

Serving Suggestions

Rosemary-roasted potatoes pair well with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a simple green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the potatoes at a high temperature helps to caramelize the edges and create a crispy exterior.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have red-skinned potatoes, you can use Yukon Gold or russet potatoes instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the potatoes up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the rosemary-roasted potatoes in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair rosemary-roasted potatoes with a glass of Chardonnay or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of rosemary-roasted potatoes contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of rosemary-roasted potatoes contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of rosemary-roasted potatoes contains approximately 7 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of rosemary-roasted potatoes contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Rosemary-roasted potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Alergens

Rosemary-roasted potatoes are gluten-free and dairy-free. However, if you have a garlic allergy, you may need to omit the garlic from the recipe.

Summary

Rosemary-roasted potatoes are a nutritious side dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Rosemary-roasted potatoes are a simple and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a delicious and nutritious dish that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. The warm, earthy aroma of rosemary combined with the crispness of roasted potatoes was irresistible to me. I knew I had to learn how to make it.

I first came across the recipe for rosemary-roasted potatoes during a trip to Italy many years ago. I had the pleasure of staying with a lovely Italian family in Tuscany, who welcomed me into their home with open arms. The matriarch of the family, Nonna Maria, was a master in the kitchen and she generously shared her culinary secrets with me.

One evening, Nonna Maria prepared a feast for the family and I was lucky enough to be her apprentice in the kitchen. As she chopped, stirred, and seasoned with effortless grace, I watched in awe. When it came time to prepare the potatoes, she reached for a sprig of fresh rosemary and began to infuse the olive oil with its fragrant leaves.

As the potatoes roasted in the oven, the scent of rosemary filled the kitchen and my mouth watered in anticipation. When the dish was finally served, I took my first bite and was instantly transported to culinary heaven. The combination of crispy potatoes and aromatic rosemary was simply divine.

After my stay in Italy, I returned home with a newfound passion for cooking and a determination to recreate Nonna Maria's rosemary-roasted potatoes. I experimented with different techniques and seasonings, until I finally perfected the recipe to my liking.

Over the years, I have made this dish for countless family gatherings, dinner parties, and potlucks. Each time, it never fails to impress and delight my guests. They always ask for the recipe, but I simply smile and tell them that it is a family secret passed down from generations.

One day, while browsing through a local farmers market, I stumbled upon a vendor selling fresh rosemary. The vibrant green leaves glistened in the sunlight, beckoning me to bring them home. I bought a bunch and hurried back to my kitchen, eager to create a batch of my beloved rosemary-roasted potatoes.

As I chopped the rosemary and tossed it with the potatoes, the familiar scent filled the air and brought back memories of Nonna Maria and my time in Italy. I could almost hear her voice guiding me through each step, urging me to infuse the dish with love and care.

When the potatoes emerged from the oven, golden and crispy, I knew I had done Nonna Maria proud. I served them to my family that evening, and their eyes lit up with delight as they savored each bite. It was then that I realized the true magic of cooking – the ability to bring people together and create lasting memories.

As I sit here, reminiscing about my culinary journey and the recipe that started it all, I am filled with gratitude for all the people and experiences that have shaped me into the cook I am today. Nonna Maria may have been the one to introduce me to rosemary-roasted potatoes, but it is my love for cooking and sharing delicious meals that keeps me coming back to this dish time and time again.

And so, I will continue to hone my craft, learn new recipes, and pass down my culinary traditions to future generations. For in the kitchen, as in life, there is always something new to discover and savor. And for that, I am truly grateful.