Oven-baked potatoes with garlic

Oven-Baked Potatoes with Garlic - A Simple and Delicious Recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 40-50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Who doesn’t love the enticing aroma of baked potatoes, embraced by the intense flavor of garlic? This recipe for oven-baked garlic potatoes is not only a quick way to prepare a delicious side dish but also a dish that can be enjoyed on its own. It’s perfect for family meals or a quick dinner after a long day. Plus, potatoes are an excellent source of carbohydrates, and garlic adds a boost of antioxidants and health benefits.

Let’s dive into this simple and tasty recipe that promises to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Ingredients

- 1 kg of potatoes, peeled
- 10-15 cloves of garlic, halved
- 3 tablespoons of quality olive oil
- 100 ml of water
- A few fresh oregano leaves (or any green herb you find in your fridge, such as parsley or thyme)
- Salt, pepper, and sweet paprika - to taste

Preparation

1. Preparing the potatoes: After peeling the potatoes, cut them into evenly-sized cubes (about 3-4 cm). This will ensure even baking and a pleasant texture.

2. Meeting the garlic: In a baking tray, add the cut potatoes and scatter the halved garlic cloves. The garlic will add an irresistible aroma and infuse the potatoes with flavor.

3. Seasoning: Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil, then sprinkle salt, pepper, and sweet paprika. Use your hands to mix the ingredients well so that the spices are evenly distributed over the potatoes.

4. Fresh oregano: Sprinkle a few leaves of oregano or other herbs you have on hand. This step will bring a note of freshness and flavor.

5. Adding water: Pour the water evenly into the tray. This will help create a gentle steam during baking, helping the potatoes become soft on the inside and crispy on the outside.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the tray with potatoes inside. Let them bake for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The potatoes are ready when they turn golden and soft, and the garlic develops a sweet and caramelized aroma.

Serving

Serve the golden potatoes alongside a beetroot salad or any favorite salad. Their taste, combined with a note of freshness from the salad, will make this meal a true feast. You can also add a yogurt sauce with dill or a tahini sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Helpful Tips

- Choosing potatoes: Opt for new potatoes or red potatoes, which are sweeter and bake evenly. Potatoes with thinner skins will cook faster.
- Variations: You can experiment by adding other spices, such as rosemary or chili, for a spicy touch. You can also add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, which will bake alongside the potatoes.
- Cook in advance: If you have time, you can prepare the potatoes a few hours ahead and then reheat them in the oven to make them crispy again.

Nutritional Benefits

Potatoes are an important source of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. Garlic is known for its antimicrobial properties and cardiovascular benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use sweet potatoes?: Yes, sweet potatoes are a delicious and healthy alternative. The taste will be different, but the combination with garlic will be just as tasty.
- How can I make the potatoes crispier?: Make sure not to add too much water. You can leave the tray uncovered in the last 10-15 minutes of baking to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
- Can I add cheese?: Absolutely! Grated cheese, such as Parmesan or feta, added in the last few minutes of baking will add a delicious and hearty touch.

These oven-baked garlic potatoes are easy to prepare, full of flavor, and versatile, making them a perfect match for a variety of dishes. Whether you serve them as a side or as a standalone dish, they are sure to become a family favorite. So, don’t hesitate any longer and allow yourself to enjoy this simple yet incredibly tasty recipe!