New potatoes with garlic baked in the oven

New Potatoes with Garlic in the Oven: A Simple and Delicious Recipe

Who doesn't love the aroma of crispy fried potatoes enriched with the intense flavor of fresh garlic? This recipe for new potatoes with garlic in the oven is not only simple but also quick and perfect for any meal. Moreover, new potatoes are full of nutrients and have a naturally sweet taste, making them an excellent choice for a light dinner or a side dish to a main course.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 30-40 minutes
Total Time: 45-55 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 1 kg new potatoes
- 7 cloves of garlic
- 70 ml olive oil (or other vegetable oil)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- A little freshly ground pepper

Necessary Utensils

- Abrasive sponge for cleaning potatoes
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking tray
- Baking paper
- Aluminum foil
- Knife
- Chopping board

A Brief Story

New potatoes have a long history, being cultivated for thousands of years and becoming a staple food in many cultures. Adding garlic to dishes is an ancient tradition, appreciated not only for its flavor but also for its medicinal properties. This recipe combines the two ingredients in a simple and tasty way, giving them new life at every meal.

Preparing New Potatoes with Garlic

1. Cleaning the Potatoes: Start by washing the new potatoes well under cold running water. Use an abrasive sponge to remove any impurities. If you don't have a sponge, you can use a knife to peel them gently. It's important to keep the skin, as it contains many vitamins and minerals.

2. Preparing the Marinade: In a large bowl, add the olive oil, 6 crushed cloves of garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. The garlic can be crushed using a mortar or a garlic press, but if you prefer a milder flavor, you can use thinly sliced garlic.

3. Arranging the Potatoes: Cut the potatoes into equal-sized pieces (cubes or quarters, as preferred) to ensure even baking. Add them to the bowl with the marinade and mix well with your hands, so that each piece of potato is coated with oil and garlic.

4. Preparing the Tray: Line a baking tray with baking paper and grease it with a teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on the tray so they bake evenly.

5. Adding the Garlic: Finely chop the remaining clove of garlic and sprinkle it evenly over the potatoes. This will intensify the garlic aroma and make the dish more flavorful.

6. Baking: Cover the tray with aluminum foil to retain moisture, then place it in the preheated oven at 200°C. Bake the potatoes for 30-40 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a fork into a potato; if it goes in easily, the potatoes are ready.

7. Serving: Once the potatoes are golden and crispy, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. You can serve them plain, but they are delicious alongside feta cheese, yogurt, or even a fresh salad.

Practical Tips

- Variations: You can add herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the marinade for an even more intense flavor. These pair perfectly with potatoes and garlic.
- Side Dishes: Garlic potatoes go excellently with roasted meat, baked fish, or even grilled vegetables.
- Fried Garlic: If you want a more complex flavor, you can fry the garlic in a tablespoon of oil until golden before adding it to the potatoes.

Nutritional Benefits

New potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C, and B6. Garlic, in addition to the flavor it brings, has antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a valuable ingredient in the daily diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use regular potatoes? Yes, but the baking time will be longer, and the flavor will be slightly different.
2. How can I make the potatoes crispier? You can leave them uncovered in the last 10 minutes of baking for a nice golden color.
3. Can I use fried garlic? Absolutely! Fried garlic will add a sweet and delicate flavor to the dish.

Conclusion

These new potatoes with garlic in the oven are a perfect choice for a quick yet delicious meal. Their intense flavor and crispy texture will delight everyone who tastes them. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make this recipe even more special. Enjoy your meal!