Crispy Smashed Potatoes With Garlic And Zaatar Food

ZA'ATAR SMASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Make the herb sauce, if desired: In a food processor, combine cilantro, mint, pine nuts, and lime juice and zest. Process until finely chopped. With machine running, pour oil in a steady stream through the feed tube; process until smooth. Season with salt.
• Make the potatoes: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Bring potatoes to a boil in a large pot of salted water; reduce heat and simmer until just tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large rimmed baking sheet. Let cool 5 minutes, then lightly crush each potato with the heel of your hand. Drizzle generously with ghee and oil and season with salt and za'atar. Top with rosemary. Roast until golden brown and crisp, about 35 minutes. Serve with herb sauce, if desired.

PERFECT SMASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Put 1 3/4 pounds baby potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Add 2 bay leaves, 2 garlic cloves and a big pinch of salt; bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain, discarding the bay leaves and garlic. Toss the potatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, transfer to a baking sheet and smash with a spatula or measuring cup. Drizzle with more olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Broil, turning, until crisp and golden, 15 to 20 minutes.

CRISPIEST EVER POTATOES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Add the potatoes to a large saucepan and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Add the baking soda and 1 tablespoon salt to the water. Cover, place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Uncover and continue to boil until the potatoes give easily when pierced with the tip of a knife, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and set the strainer over the top of the pan for a few minutes so the outsides of the potatoes can dry.
• Dump the potatoes onto a baking sheet. Drizzle with the oil and toss with the garlic, thyme and rosemary until the potatoes are completely coated in the oil. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Using a small juice glass or glass bowl, smash each potato firmly but gently. (You want to just crack the skins and flatten slightly while keeping the potatoes mostly intact.)
• Roast until the bottoms of the potatoes are deep golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and flip the potatoes using a spatula. Roast until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on both sides, an additional 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a platter with a metal spatula. Serve while hot.