Mustard Crusted Potatoes

Mustard Crusted Potatoes - a delicious appetizer that will quickly become the star of your table! These potatoes are crispy, flavorful, and extremely versatile, perfect for serving alongside various dips or as a side dish to meat dishes. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a tasty meal with family.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients needed:
- 1 kg of new potatoes
- 3 tablespoons of mustard (you can choose sweet or spicy mustard, depending on your preference)
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil (or another vegetable oil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Dried basil (or fresh if you have it on hand)
- 3 cloves of garlic

Recipe story:
Potatoes, known as the 'staple food' in many cultures, have a fascinating history. This versatile vegetable has been cultivated for thousands of years and is used in various dishes, from the simplest to the most sophisticated. The idea of combining them with mustard and spices to create a delicious crust is an innovation that transforms an ordinary ingredient into an extravagant appetizer.

Step by step - Cooking Mustard Crusted Potatoes:

1. Preparing the potatoes: Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water, ensuring you remove any traces of dirt. Then, place them in a pot of salted water, just enough to easily pierce with a fork. Boil them for about 10-15 minutes, until they become slightly soft, but not fully cooked.

2. Cooling and peeling: After boiling, drain the water and rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Then, let them cool slightly and peel them. New potatoes have a thin skin, so you can use a small knife to easily remove the skin.

3. Preparing the sauce: In a bowl, add the mustard and olive oil. Here you can experiment with different types of oil to achieve varied flavors. Add salt, pepper, and basil, then crush the garlic cloves and incorporate them into the mixture. Make sure the taste is balanced; you can adjust the spices to your liking.

4. Coating the potatoes: Take each boiled potato and dip it into the mustard sauce, ensuring it is evenly coated. This crust will provide a unique flavor and a crispy texture. Place the potatoes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, being careful not to overlap them.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the tray with potatoes in the oven and let them bake for about 30 minutes, until they turn beautifully golden brown. You will notice how the aroma of garlic and mustard fills your kitchen!

6. Serving: Once the potatoes are ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. You can serve them with a yogurt sauce with dill or a spicy mayonnaise for an extra touch of flavor. These potatoes are delicious both warm and cold, so don’t hesitate to bring them to picnics or parties.

Useful tips:
- If you want to add a touch of originality, you can sprinkle some chili flakes over the potatoes before baking them.
- You can replace basil with other herbs like rosemary or thyme for different flavors.
- If you desire extra crunchiness, you can add breadcrumbs or grated parmesan to the mustard mixture.

Nutritional information:
These potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins, making them a healthy choice for an appetizer. Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the type of mustard.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, sweet potatoes will provide a different flavor and an interesting texture. Make sure to adjust the cooking time, as sweet potatoes cook faster.

2. What is the best way to store leftover potatoes?
You can keep the potatoes covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness.

3. What other dips can I serve with this appetizer?
Mustard crusted potatoes pair perfectly with dips like ketchup, yogurt sauce with dill, aioli, or even a curry sauce for an exotic touch.

This mustard crusted potato recipe is not only simple but also an excellent way to bring a splash of creativity to your kitchen. Experiment, add ingredients of your choice, and enjoy every delicious bite! Enjoy your meal!