If you are looking for a delicious and easy vegan side dish that goes well with many meals, try these crispy herby smashed potatoes with garlic. They are crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of flavor from fresh herbs and garlic. You can make them in less than 30 minutes with simple ingredients. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 pounds baby potatoes (any thin-skinned variety)
- Salt and pepper
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4-6 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
- A handful of fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and sage
Steps:
- Cook the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they are fork-tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. You can also use an instant pot to cook them for 6 minutes on high pressure. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. You can do this step ahead of time and store the potatoes in the fridge until ready to use.
- Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic cloves and the herbs and swirl the oil around to infuse it with their flavors. Cook until the garlic is golden and the herbs are crisp, about 10 minutes. Transfer the garlic and herbs to a cutting board and chop them finely. Set aside.
- Smash the potatoes with a potato masher or the bottom of a skillet until they are flattened but still chunky, about 3/4 inch thick. Season them with salt and pepper.
- Fry the smashed potatoes in the same skillet over medium-high heat, working in batches if needed, until they are crispy and browned on both sides, about 15 minutes total. Keep them warm in the oven while you finish frying the rest.
- Sprinkle the crispy smashed potatoes with the chopped garlic and herbs and serve hot or warm. Enjoy!
Tips:
- You can use any fresh herbs you like or have on hand for this recipe. Some other options are parsley, cilantro, dill, or basil.
- You can also add some lemon zest, red pepper flakes, or vegan cheese for extra flavor and zing.
- These smashed potatoes are great for breakfast or brunch with eggs, or for dinner with fish, chicken, meat, or tofu. They also make a great potluck dish that you can reheat easily.
