– **Title**: Crispy Leaf Potatoes
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 medium-sized potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into thin slices, aiming for about 1/8 inch thick. You can use a mandoline for uniform slices.
3. Place the potato slices in a bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which will help them to crisp up.
4. After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
5. In a large bowl, toss the potato slices with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
6. Arrange the potato slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not overlapping for maximum crispiness.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
8. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
9. Serve warm as a side dish or a snack, and enjoy your crispy leaf potatoes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are known for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, making them perfect for this recipe. You can substitute with Russet potatoes for a drier texture or red potatoes for a slightly waxy feel.
Butter & Olive Oil: This combination gives a rich flavor to the potatoes. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use coconut oil or avocado oil instead. For a dairy-free version, replace butter with vegan butter or omit it altogether.
Garlic & Onion Powder: These add a wonderful depth of flavor. If you prefer fresh ingredients, feel free to use minced garlic and finely chopped onions, just be cautious because they may brown faster in the oven.
Herbs: I love using fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish. If unavailable, dried herbs work in a pinch; just use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Can You Get Perfectly Thin Potato Slices?
Slicing the potatoes thinly is crucial for achieving that crispy texture. A mandoline slicer is your best friend here, but if you don’t have one, use a sharp knife. Just take your time to ensure even slices, around 1/8 inch thick.
- Choose a steady surface to slice your potatoes safely.
- If using a knife, hold the potato firmly and slice with a smooth motion.
- To keep it simple, put a little pressure while pressing down the knife at a slight angle for even cuts.
Even slices mean even cooking, which leads to perfectly crispy results. Happy cooking!
How to Make Crispy Leaf Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 4 large Yukon Gold potatoes (or similar)
For the Coating:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour of baking time. So, you’ll spend a little bit of time getting everything ready, and then just let the oven do its work while you wait for those crispy, delicious potatoes to golden up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, peel the potatoes and slice them very thinly—around 1/8 inch thick. Using a mandoline can help you get nice, even slices, which is important for even cooking.
2. Make the Coating:
In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give your potatoes a wonderful flavor.
3. Coat the Potatoes:
Next, add the thinly sliced potatoes to your bowl of buttery goodness. Toss them gently with your hands or a spatula to make sure each slice is well coated in the mixture. You want them to be shiny and flavorful!
4. Layer the Potatoes:
Now, grease a baking dish with a bit of oil or butter to prevent sticking. Begin layering the coated potatoes in the dish. Stand them on their edges and overlap them slightly as you go around in a spiral pattern. This is what creates the lovely “leaf” shape you’re looking for!
5. Bake the Potatoes:
Once your dish is filled, drizzle any leftover butter and oil mixture over the top of the layered potatoes. Cover the dish with foil to keep the moisture in and pop it into the oven for 45 minutes.
6. Get Them Crispy:
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they’re golden brown and crispy on the top—this is the best part!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, let your crispy leaf potatoes cool for a few minutes. Then, sprinkle some fresh rosemary or thyme on top for a burst of flavor before serving. Enjoy your beautifully crispy side dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, you can use other similar varieties like Russets or even red potatoes. Just keep in mind that different potatoes may have varying cooking times and textures, so check for doneness as you bake.
What if I Don’t Have Butter? Can I Substitute It?
Yes! If you’re out of butter, you can use additional olive oil or try using coconut oil for a different flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, you might also consider using vegetable broth or a plant-based butter substitute to achieve a similar richness without dairy.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover crispy leaf potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain some of their crispiness. Avoid microwaving them, as that can make them soggy!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t include any flour or gluten-based ingredients. Just double-check your seasonings to ensure they are also gluten-free, especially if they have added fillers. Enjoy your crispy leaf potatoes worry-free!
