Spring potatoes

Spring Potatoes with Garlic and Green Onion

Cooking is not just an activity, but an art, a way to bring joy and comfort to every meal. Today, I invite you to discover a simple yet flavorful recipe: Spring Potatoes with garlic and green onion. This easy-to-make side dish will add a touch of freshness to your plate, perfect to accompany any roast or to be enjoyed alongside a raw vegetable salad.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 6 medium-sized potatoes
- 500 ml vegetable broth
- 50 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion
- 1 bunch green onions
- 1 bunch green garlic
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- a handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped

A Bit of History
The Spring Potatoes recipe is inspired by the simple yet flavorful culinary traditions of the warm season. It is a dish that has been adapted over time in many cultures, bringing together fresh ingredients and the intense flavors of summer. Potatoes, a staple ingredient, are accompanied by green onions and garlic, which are symbols of the spring season, adding an extra touch of flavor and vitality.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Heating the Oil
Start by adding 50 ml of extra virgin olive oil to a deep pan. Heat it over medium heat, being careful not to smoke it. Olive oil not only adds flavor but is also a healthy source of fats.

2. Sautéing the Onion and Garlic
Add the finely chopped onion along with the green onions, green garlic, and the 3-4 cloves of garlic, also finely chopped. Sauté all these ingredients for 4-5 minutes until they become translucent and release their aromas. This is the moment to enjoy the enticing smell that will fill your kitchen!

3. Preparing the Potatoes
Meanwhile, peel the potatoes, wash them well, and cut them into cubes of about 2 cm. This size will allow for even and quick cooking of the potatoes, ensuring they soften perfectly.

4. Boiling the Potatoes
Add the potato cubes to the pan, mixing well to combine with the onion and garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth and let everything simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. This step will allow the potatoes to absorb the rich flavors from the broth, becoming delicious and juicy.

5. Adding the Tomatoes
After 15 minutes, grate the tomatoes on a large grater to remove the skin and add them to the pan along with the tomato paste. Add salt, pepper, and sweet paprika, mixing well. These ingredients will provide a note of freshness and a vibrant color to your dish. Let it simmer for another 15 minutes until the mixture thickens and the flavors intensify.

6. Finishing the Dish
When the potatoes are fully cooked and the sauce has reduced, remove the pan from the heat and add the chopped fresh parsley. This will add a touch of freshness and make the dish look appetizing.

Serving and Suggestions
These spring potatoes are perfect to be served alongside pieces of rotisserie chicken, but they also pair wonderfully with other types of roasts. A raw vegetable salad, with crunchy carrots, peppers, and cherry tomatoes, will perfectly complement the meal, providing a contrast of textures and colors. Don’t hesitate to add a few slices of lemon for an extra touch of freshness!

Possible Variations
If you want to experiment, you can add other vegetables to the mix, such as carrots or zucchini, for an even richer side dish. You can also replace the vegetable broth with chicken broth for a more intense flavor, or add spices like cumin or curry for an exotic touch.

Nutritional Information
This recipe is not only tasty but also healthy. Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustainable energy. Olive oil is rich in healthy fats for the heart, and onions and garlic are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Calories: Approximately 180 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil used.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will add a note of sweetness and a vibrant color to the dish.

- How can I store leftovers?
The potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

- Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, all the ingredients are plant-based, making it an excellent choice for a vegan meal.

I encourage you to try this Spring Potatoes recipe and personalize it to your taste. Whether you choose to serve it as a side dish or as a main course, I am sure it will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Bon appétit!