I’ll never forget the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s Crushed New Potatoes with Garlic. It was a chilly Sunday afternoon, and I had just returned from a local market with bags full of fresh produce. The moment I found those small, plump new potatoes, I knew exactly what I was going to make. I had seen Jamie cook this dish on his show, and the way he spoke about it made it sound so simple yet so delicious. Fast forward a couple of hours, and I was sitting down to what I can only describe as comfort food at its finest. The crispy edges, the creamy center, the garlicky aroma-this recipe had it all.
This is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug. It’s not complicated, but the combination of textures and flavors elevates it to something special. Whether you’re looking for a side dish or just a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe has earned its place as a go-to in my kitchen.
Jamie Oliver’s Crushed New Potatoes With Garlic Recipe
Jamie Oliver is known for making delicious meals that are accessible and full of flavor. His Crushed New Potatoes with Garlic is a perfect example of how simplicity can be transformed into something extraordinary. It’s not just about cooking potatoes; it’s about infusing them with flavors that make every bite a treat.
The recipe is straightforward, but what sets it apart is how Jamie encourages you to bring out the best in the ingredients. It’s all about roasting potatoes to perfection, adding a bit of garlic, and then gently crushing them to create crispy, golden edges while keeping the center soft and creamy. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to add this to your regular rotation.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this dish at home:
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New Potatoes (500g)
New potatoes are perfect for this recipe. They’re small, waxy, and hold their shape well when cooked. Their creamy texture is key to the success of this dish.
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Garlic (4 cloves, crushed)
The garlic is what adds depth to the potatoes. It roasts in the oven, mellowing out and becoming sweet, rather than sharp.
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Fresh Rosemary (1 sprig)
Rosemary is a classic herb to pair with potatoes. It gives the dish an earthy fragrance and a slightly piney taste that complements the potatoes.
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Olive Oil (3 tbsp)
A generous splash of extra virgin olive oil ensures the potatoes get nice and crispy. Plus, the olive oil adds richness to the dish.
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Sea Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper
These are essential for seasoning the potatoes. The salt enhances the natural flavor, while the pepper gives it a subtle kick.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Crushed New Potatoes With Garlic
Making these crushed potatoes is incredibly easy, and the end result is something you’ll want to make time and again.
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Preheat The Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). You want it nice and hot to crisp up those potatoes.
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Boil The Potatoes
Place your new potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork. Drain the potatoes and set them aside.
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Crush The Potatoes
Transfer the potatoes to a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently press down on each potato to crush it. You don’t want to break them into pieces, just slightly flatten them so the edges get crispy.
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Season And Add Garlic
Drizzle olive oil over the crushed potatoes. Add the crushed garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated.
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Roast In The Oven
Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and roast the potatoes for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy. You can give them a quick flip halfway through for even crispiness.
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Serve And Enjoy
Once the potatoes are ready, serve them immediately. They’re perfect on their own or paired with any main course, from grilled meats to roasted veggies.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s dive into the science behind some of the ingredients and why they work so well in this recipe:
- New Potatoes: These potatoes are lower in starch and higher in moisture compared to regular potatoes. This makes them perfect for boiling because they hold their shape well and have a creamy texture when crushed. When roasted, the moisture inside stays intact while the outside crisps up, giving that beautiful contrast between tender and crunchy.
- Garlic: Garlic is a powerhouse of flavor. When roasted, garlic becomes sweet and mellow, which balances the salty, crispy potatoes. The key to garlic’s unique flavor is a compound called allicin, which forms when garlic is crushed. It’s what gives garlic its pungency, but when heated, it becomes sweeter and more savory.
- Rosemary: This herb contains essential oils like rosmarinic acid, which have a strong aromatic quality. When roasted, rosemary infuses the potatoes with its warm, woodsy flavor. It also helps to cut through the richness of the potatoes and olive oil, adding a nice contrast.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is packed with healthy fats and antioxidants. The fats help to crisp the potatoes, while the antioxidants add a depth of flavor. The oil also helps to carry the flavor of the garlic and rosemary throughout the dish.
Expert Tips
Here are some expert tips to help you perfect this recipe:
- Don’t Over-Crush the Potatoes: When you press the potatoes, be gentle. If you crush them too much, they’ll lose their structure and become too mushy. Aim for a slight flattening to allow for crispy edges but keep the centers soft.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic will give you the best flavor. Pre-minced or jarred garlic can be convenient, but nothing beats the punch of freshly crushed garlic cloves.
- Add a Touch of Lemon: For a bit of brightness, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the potatoes right before serving. The acidity helps cut through the richness and adds a fresh flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Rosemary: While it might be tempting to swap in another herb, rosemary really is the perfect match for this recipe. Its piney, earthy notes work wonders with the potatoes.
Recipe Variations
While Jamie’s original recipe is fantastic on its own, you can experiment with a few variations:
- Cheese Lover’s Version: Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta on top before roasting. The cheese will melt and form a crispy, savory crust.
- Spicy Kick: Toss in some red pepper flakes or chopped chili for a spicy twist. The heat pairs well with the creamy potatoes.
- Herb Garden: Swap out the rosemary for thyme or oregano. You can even use a mix of herbs to create a more complex flavor profile.
- Smoky Touch: Add a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor that complements the crispy potatoes perfectly.
Final Words
This recipe is proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something special. It’s about taking the time to bring out the best in what you’re cooking, like how the garlic roasts and the potatoes become golden and crispy. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, these crushed potatoes will always be a hit.
FAQs
What Kind Of Potatoes Should I Use For Jamie Oliver’s Crushed New Potatoes With Garlic?
Use new potatoes or baby potatoes. Their waxy texture makes them perfect for crushing and holding the garlic flavor.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Crushed New Potatoes With Garlic Ahead Of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the potatoes in advance and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them in a pan before serving.
How Do I Get The Potatoes Crispy Like In Jamie Oliver’s Recipe?
Make sure to roast the potatoes at a high temperature. Crushed potatoes with olive oil in a hot pan or oven will give them that crispy finish.