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Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic and Za'atar

Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic and Za'atar: Where East Meets West

Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Za'atar – the perfect blend of Middle Eastern spices and crispy, golden perfection!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet

Ingredients
  

For the Base:

  • 2 pounds baby Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons za'atar
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh herbs for garnish

For the Za'atar Garlic Oil:

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons za'atar
  • 4 cloves garlic finely minced
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions
 

Step 1: Boil the Potatoes

  • Place potatoes in a pot and cover with cold water.
  • Add 1 tablespoon salt and bring to a boil.
  • Cook until just tender (12-15 minutes).
  • Drain thoroughly and let steam dry for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Smash the Potatoes

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Arrange potatoes on a baking sheet, leaving space between them.
  • Use a potato masher or glass to gently press each potato until flattened but still intact.
  • Brush with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and za’atar.

Step 3: Prepare Za’atar Garlic Oil

  • Warm ¼ cup olive oil in a small pan over low heat.
  • Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  • Stir in za’atar and red pepper flakes, let infuse for 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and strain if desired.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

  • Place baking sheet in the oven and roast for 20 minutes.
  • Carefully flip potatoes and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes until crispy.
  • Brush with za’atar oil before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, let the boiled potatoes dry completely before smashing.
  • To prevent burnt garlic, add minced garlic halfway through roasting instead of at the start.
  • Potato variety matters! Yukon Gold potatoes yield the best creamy interior with crispy edges.
  • Za’atar sticking tip: Gently press the spice blend into the potatoes after brushing with oil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSodium: 350mgFiber: 3g
Keyword Crispy Smashed Potatoes, Easy Vegetarian Side Dish, Garlic Roasted Potatoes, Garlic Za’atar Potatoes, Middle Eastern Potato Recipes, Roasted Potatoes with Za’atar, Za’atar Potatoes, Za’atar Spice Recipes
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