Smashed Potatoes

Smashed Potatoes Recipe - Vegetarian Food from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Smashed potatoes are a delicious and versatile side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of meals. This recipe combines the creamy texture of mashed potatoes with the crispy edges of roasted potatoes, creating a dish that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

History

Smashed potatoes have been a popular dish for centuries, with variations of the recipe appearing in cuisines around the world. The concept of smashing potatoes likely originated as a way to use up leftover boiled potatoes, but it has since evolved into a beloved side dish in its own right.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) small red-skinned potatoes, scrubbed and quartered
0.25 cup finely chopped fresh basil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium shallot, minced
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to prepare

Place the potatoes in a medium saucepan filled with lightly salted water.
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer until they are tender, which should take about 15 minutes.
Drain the potatoes well, making sure to save some of the cooking liquid.
Return the potatoes to the pan.
Using a potato masher, smash the potatoes until they are fairly smooth, adding a little bit of the reserved cooking liquid if necessary.
Add the basil, garlic, shallot, salt, and pepper to the potatoes and mix everything together well.
Serve the dish while it is still hot.

Variations

Try adding cooked bacon, cheddar cheese, or roasted garlic to the smashed potatoes for a different flavor profile.
Substitute sweet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes for a twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use small red-skinned potatoes for this recipe, as they have a creamy texture that works well when smashed.

- Don't overcook the potatoes, as they can become mushy and lose their texture.

- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite herbs and seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the smashed potatoes as a side dish with grilled chicken or steak.

- Top the potatoes with sour cream, chives, or grated cheese for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the potatoes before smashing them helps to ensure that they are tender and easy to mash.

- Mixing the potatoes with the seasonings while they are still warm allows the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried basil or another herb of your choice.

- Substitute olive oil for the shallot if you prefer a milder flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the smashed potatoes up to a day in advance and reheat them in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the smashed potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the smashed potatoes with a green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the smashed potatoes in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

150

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 30g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 0g

- Saturated Fat: 0g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 3g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 20% of the Daily Value

- Potassium: 15% of the Daily Value

- Vitamin B6: 10% of the Daily Value

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free.

Summary

This dish is a good source of vitamin C and potassium, and is low in fat and calories.

Summary

Smashed potatoes are a simple and delicious side dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. With a creamy texture and crispy edges, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for smashed potatoes. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha at her cozy farmhouse in the countryside. Martha was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to trying out her new recipes.

On that particular day, as we sat at her kitchen table sipping on some freshly brewed tea, Martha suddenly got up and disappeared into the pantry. I could hear her rummaging around, the clinking of pots and pans echoing through the small room. Curious, I followed her and found her holding a bag of potatoes in one hand and a rolling pin in the other.

"Betty, have you ever tried smashed potatoes?" Martha asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I shook my head, intrigued by the new dish she was about to introduce me to. As Martha began to explain the recipe, I could see the passion and love she had for cooking radiating from her. She told me that smashed potatoes were a simple yet delicious side dish, perfect for any meal.

Martha started by boiling the potatoes until they were tender, then she carefully smashed them with the rolling pin until they were slightly flattened. She seasoned them with salt, pepper, and a generous drizzle of olive oil before baking them in the oven until they were golden and crispy.

As the delicious aroma of the smashed potatoes wafted through the kitchen, I knew I had to try making them myself. Martha insisted that I take notes on the recipe, and I eagerly scribbled down every detail, from the cooking time to the temperature of the oven.

I returned home that evening, eager to recreate Martha's smashed potatoes in my own kitchen. As I peeled the potatoes and boiled them to perfection, I could hear Martha's voice in my head, guiding me through each step of the process. I carefully smashed the potatoes with the rolling pin, just as she had shown me, and seasoned them with the same love and care that she had put into her own dish.

As I sat down to enjoy the first bite of my homemade smashed potatoes, I closed my eyes and savored the delicious flavors that danced on my tongue. The crispy edges and fluffy centers of the potatoes were a match made in heaven, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come.

Over the years, I have made Martha's smashed potatoes countless times, each batch as delicious as the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this simple yet flavorful dish to the next generation.

As I look back on that fateful day at Martha's farmhouse, I am grateful for the gift of her smashed potato recipe. It is a reminder of the joy and camaraderie that comes with sharing a meal with loved ones, and I will always cherish the memories of learning this recipe from my dear friend.