Lemon Zest Roasted Potatoes with Herbs

$- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Juice of 2 lemons - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano) - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) Gather these simple ingredients to make Greek Lemon Roasted Potatoes. The baby potatoes are the star of this dish. Their smooth skin and creamy texture pair well with the bold flavors of lemon and herbs. You will need olive oil for roasting. It adds a rich flavor while helping the potatoes crisp up nicely. Garlic brings in that delicious aroma and taste. Fresh garlic is best, but you can use pre-minced if you’re short on time. Lemons are key here. The juice brightens the potatoes, while the zest adds extra flavor. Fresh oregano and thyme give the dish an earthy taste. You can use dried herbs if fresh is not available. Make sure to season with salt and pepper generously. This helps enhance all the flavors. Lastly, fresh parsley is a nice touch for garnish. It adds color and freshness to the dish as you serve it. Now you have all the ingredients ready to create this flavorful and simple dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, get 2 pounds of baby potatoes. Cut each potato in half. This helps them cook faster and soak up flavor. Next, we need to make the marinade. In a big bowl, mix the halved potatoes with 4 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and the juice of 2 lemons. Add the zest of 1 lemon for extra zing. Then, toss in 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano and 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme. If you have dried herbs, you can use 1 teaspoon each. Finally, sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until the potatoes are coated. Now, let’s get the oven ready. Preheat it to 425°F (220°C). While it warms up, take a large baking sheet. Spread the marinated potatoes in a single layer. This is key! Don’t overcrowd the pan. It helps them roast evenly. Roast the potatoes for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, give them a stir. This ensures all sides get nice and brown. Keep an eye on them until they turn golden and tender. When the potatoes are done roasting, take them out of the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes. This helps them firm up a bit. Before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top if you like. It adds a lovely color and fresh taste! Enjoy your Greek Lemon Roasted Potatoes! To get the best roasted potatoes, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. If you pack them too close, they steam instead of roast. This makes them soft rather than crisp. Give each potato space to breathe. Toss the potatoes halfway through roasting. This helps them cook evenly. Flip them so all sides get that lovely golden color. You want every bite to be crunchy and flavorful. You can add other herbs to boost flavor. Try rosemary or basil for a fun twist. Both herbs pair well with lemon. Different types of potatoes can change the taste and texture. Use Yukon Gold for creaminess or red potatoes for a firmer bite. Each type brings its unique flavor to the dish. Experiment to find your favorite! Pro Tips Choose the Right Potatoes: For the best flavor and texture, use waxy potatoes such as baby Yukon Golds or red potatoes. They hold their shape well and have a creamy texture. Don't Skip the Zest: The lemon zest adds a vibrant flavor that enhances the dish. Make sure to zest the lemon before juicing it for convenience. Even Coating is Key: Ensure that the potatoes are well-coated in the marinade. This guarantees even flavor distribution and helps achieve a crispy exterior. Roast in a Single Layer: To achieve that perfect golden-brown color and crispy texture, make sure the potatoes are spread out on the baking sheet without overlapping. {{image_2}} You can make this dish vegan and gluten-free. Start by checking your olive oil. Make sure it is pure and free from additives. The other ingredients are already plant-based. Use fresh herbs to keep it tasty. For a Mediterranean twist, add olives or capers. These ingredients give a nice briny flavor. Choose green or black olives based on your taste. Just toss them in with the potatoes before roasting. This adds a new layer of flavor that pairs well with the lemon. If you prefer a creamier dish, try a lemon sauce. Mix Greek yogurt with lemon juice and zest. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for extra taste. Drizzle this sauce over the roasted potatoes just before serving. It adds a rich, tangy touch that complements the flavors perfectly. To keep your Greek lemon roasted potatoes fresh, let them cool completely. This step prevents moisture build-up. Once cool, store them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing. To reheat, I recommend using an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps maintain their crispy texture. You can also use a skillet. Just toss them on medium heat until warm. Can you freeze roasted potatoes? Yes, you can! However, they may lose some texture. To freeze, let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for a few hours, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together. Use them within three months for the best flavor. Greek Lemon Roasted Potatoes take about 10 minutes to prepare. After prep, cook them for 25 to 30 minutes. In total, you need about 40 minutes from start to finish. This means you can easily fit this dish into a busy schedule. Yes, you can use other types of potatoes. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work great too. These options have a nice texture and flavor. They will still soak up that lemon and herb goodness well. Just keep the size similar to baby potatoes for even cooking. These potatoes pair well with many dishes. Try them with grilled chicken or lamb. They also go great with fish. For a vegetarian option, serve them with a fresh salad or roasted veggies. You can create a full meal with just a few sides. This blog post covers how to make delicious Greek lemon roasted potatoes. We looked at the key ingredients, preparation steps, and roasting tips. You learned about flavor variations and how to store leftovers. Roasting potatoes can be simple yet rewarding. By following these steps, you can make a tasty side dish that pairs well with many meals. Experiment with herbs and spices to find your favorite flavor. Enjoy the joy of cooking and share these roasted potatoes with others!$

Lemon Zest Roasted Potatoes with Herbs

A delicious side dish of roasted baby potatoes infused with lemon and herbs.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
4 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 lemons juice
1 lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
to taste salt and pepper
to taste fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved baby potatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, and thyme.
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated with the marinade.
Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded to allow for even roasting.
Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender, stirring halfway through to promote even cooking.
Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven, and let them cool for a few minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.

Keyword herbs, lemon, potatoes, roasted