Oven-baked potatoes with rosemary

Oven-Roasted Potatoes with Rosemary: A Delicious and Aromatic Side Dish

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn’t love potatoes? This versatile ingredient has been a favorite in kitchens around the world for centuries. Oven-roasted potatoes with rosemary are a simple yet flavorful side dish, perfect for accompanying any main course. The sensual aroma of rosemary combined with the crispy texture of the potatoes makes this dish an excellent choice for family meals or dinners with friends.

Ingredients:
- 6-7 medium potatoes (choose new potatoes for a finer texture or older potatoes for a more intense flavor)
- 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (for a rich and healthy taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Paprika (sweet or spicy, depending on your preference)
- A handful of fresh rosemary (or 1-2 tablespoons of dried rosemary)

Preparing the Ingredients:
1. Choosing the potatoes: New potatoes have a thin skin and a sweeter texture, while older potatoes, such as red or yellow ones, are starchier and more filling. Try to choose potatoes that are uniform in size for even baking.
2. Cleaning and cutting: Wash the potatoes well under cold water to remove any impurities. If using new potatoes, you can opt to leave the skin on for added nutrients and a pleasant texture. Cut the potatoes into thick slices of about 1-2 cm for even browning in the oven.

Step by Step:
1. Preheating the oven: Make sure the oven is preheated to a medium temperature of 200°C (or 392°F). This is an essential step for achieving crispy potatoes.
2. Preparing the baking tray: In a large baking tray, add the olive oil. This will not only help the potatoes brown but will also add a delicious flavor to the dish.
3. Adding the potatoes: Arrange the potato slices in the tray, making sure they are not overlapping. This will allow each slice to bake evenly.
4. Seasoning: Sprinkle salt, paprika, and rosemary over the potatoes. Mix well with your hands to ensure an even distribution of spices. If you prefer a more intense flavor, feel free to add more rosemary or experiment with other herbs like thyme or oregano.
5. Baking the potatoes: Place the tray in the preheated oven and let the potatoes bake for 20 minutes. Then, use a spatula to turn them. This step is crucial for achieving an evenly crispy texture. Continue baking for another 20 minutes until they are golden and crispy.

Practical Tip: Check if the potatoes are cooked with a fork. If it goes in easily, they are done. If not, let them bake for a few more minutes.

Serving and Variations:
Oven-roasted potatoes with rosemary are delicious served warm alongside a juicy steak or grilled fish. You can pair them with a garlic yogurt sauce or a fresh salad for a pleasant contrast. Additionally, if you want to add a creative touch, you can incorporate other vegetables such as carrots or onions, sliced thinly.

Nutritional Information:
This simple side dish is rich in complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. Potatoes contain B vitamins, vitamin C, and essential minerals such as potassium and magnesium. Olive oil adds healthy fatty acids, benefiting the heart.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use other herbs instead of rosemary?
Yes, you can experiment with various herbs. Thyme and oregano are excellent choices that pair wonderfully with potatoes.
2. How can I make the potatoes crispier?
Make sure not to overlap the potato slices in the tray and turn them halfway through the baking time.
3. What other side dishes can I try?
Garlic roasted potatoes or potato wedges are wonderful alternatives. You can also try a mashed potato with butter and cream as a substitute.

A personal note: These oven-roasted potatoes with rosemary are a recipe I frequently make for my family, and their aroma reminds me of Sunday meals spent together. I hope they bring you beautiful moments with your loved ones too!

In conclusion, oven-roasted potatoes with rosemary are an easy-to-make side dish that adds a touch of flavor and comfort to any meal. I invite you to try this simple recipe and delight your family and friends with a delicious and healthy dish!