Golden baked potatoes

Oven Golden Potatoes – A Simple and Tasty Delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes Baking time: 40-45 minutes Total time: 1 hour Servings: 4-6

Welcome to the world of comfort food! Today, I will present you with a classic and delicious recipe: oven golden potatoes. These roasted and fragrant potatoes will turn any meal into a true celebration of flavor. Although simple, this recipe has deep roots in culinary traditions, being a beloved dish for generations. Whether enjoyed alongside a main course or as a side dish, golden potatoes are always an excellent choice.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use other types of potatoes?
- Yes, it is preferable to use waxy potatoes, such as "floury" ones, to achieve a pleasant texture.
2. How can I customize the recipe?
- You can add fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme, or experiment with different spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika.

Necessary Ingredients:
- 1 kg golden potatoes (preferably medium-sized)
- 4-5 tablespoons olive oil or sunflower oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (or hot, depending on preference)
- 1/2 cup white wine (or red, depending on preference)
- 1 cup vegetable broth (or water if unavailable)

Ingredient Details:
Golden potatoes are the most suitable for this recipe due to their texture. They contain starch, which gives them a fluffy interior, contrasting with the crispy crust achieved in the oven. Olive oil adds a rich flavor, while white wine enriches the dish with a note of acidity, perfect for balancing the taste.

Step-by-Step Preparation Technique:

1. Cleaning and Cutting the Potatoes:
- Start by thoroughly cleaning the 1 kg of golden potatoes under cold running water. Remove any impurities, and if necessary, cut away any affected areas. Cut the potatoes in halves or quarters, depending on their size. Ideally, the pieces should be roughly the same size for even baking.

2. Preliminary Boiling:
- Place the cut potatoes in a pot of cold water and add a teaspoon of salt. Let them boil for 10 minutes. This step helps soften the potatoes, reducing baking time and ensuring a fluffy interior.

3. Preparing the Baking Dish:
- After boiling, remove the potatoes with a slotted spoon and transfer them to an oven-safe dish. Here, add salt, pepper, dried basil, and sweet paprika. Gently stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.

4. Adding Oil and Liquids:
- Pour the 4-5 tablespoons of olive oil over the potatoes and mix with a wooden spatula. They will need a generous layer of oil to become golden and crispy. Then, add 1/2 cup of wine and 1 cup of vegetable broth (or water), ensuring that the liquid partially covers the potatoes.

5. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the dish with potatoes in the preheated oven and let them bake for 40-45 minutes. It is important to check them occasionally and baste with the liquid from the dish to help them brown evenly.

6. Serving:
- Once the potatoes are beautifully browned, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. They pair wonderfully with roasts, fish, or even fresh salads. A delicious serving suggestion is to sprinkle them with a bit of freshly chopped parsley or grated parmesan for an extra burst of flavor.

Possible Variations:
- Add a teaspoon of garlic powder for a more intense flavor.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a distinct aroma.
- Replace the wine with beer for a different note.

Nutritional Benefits:
Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. They also contain essential vitamins such as vitamin C and B6, as well as minerals like potassium. Using olive oil adds additional benefits due to the monounsaturated fatty acids that contribute to cardiovascular health.

Calories:
A serving of oven golden potatoes (approximately 150 g) contains about 210 calories, depending on the amount of oil used.

After following these steps, you are ready to enjoy a delicacy that will surely impress family and friends! These oven golden potatoes are not just a side dish but a true culinary delight. Enjoy your meal!