Mediterranean Smash Food

MEDITERRANEAN SMASH

Steps:

• Preheat grill.
• Boil unpeeled potatoes until tender (about 20 minutes); drain.
• Place on an oven tray; grill until browned.
• Combine oil, 1/4 cup of basil and garlic in small saucepan; cook over low heat 15 minutes.
• Smash potatoes in large bowl with strained basil oil. Stir in olives and remaining basil.

CRISPY SMASHED POTATOES WITH GARLIC AND ZA'ATAR

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 400 degrees F and adjust a rack in the center.
• Boil the potatoes. Bring a large pot of water (about 2 quarts) to a boil. Season generously with kosher salt (about 1 tbsp), add the baking soda and potatoes. Stir. Let the water return to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, and cook until tender and you can easily insert a knife in the potatoes (about 10 to 15 minutes after the water had returned to a boil)
• Drain. Using a colander, drain the potatoes and let them sit in the colander for 5 to 10 minutes to dry.
• Smash and steam dry the potatoes. Arrange the potatoes on a large, lightly oiled sheet pan. Using the back of a fork or a potato masher, lightly smash the potatoes making sure to keep them in one piece. The thinner you smash them, the crispier they will be. Let the potatoes sit to dry for another 5 to 10 minutes.
• Season the potatoes with a pinch of kosher salt and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, making sure all the potatoes get some of the oil.
• Roast. Roast on the middle rack of your heated oven for about 45 to 50 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy (the rough edges will be charred).
• Make the olive oil garlic sauce. While the potatoes are roasting, in a small mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil with the parsley, za'atar, and garlic.
• Season and serve. When the potatoes are ready, remove them from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Drizzle the olive oil and za'atar mixture all over. And finish with the chopped green onions. Enjoy as soon as possible!