SIDE ESSENTIALS: GARLICKY ROASTED TATERS

Side Essentials: Garlicky Roasted Taters image

These are awesome potatoes, that make a great side for just about anything, or make up a batch and eat them as a feel-good treat. The cooking method will make them creamy smooth on the inside, and crispy on the outside. Tasty, and easy/peasy to make. So, you ready... Let's get into the kitchen.

Provided by Andy Anderson !

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

PLAN/PURCHASE
1.5 - 2 lb baby red potatoes
OIL, SPICES & CHEESE
1/4 c olive oil, extra-virgin variety
4 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp dried oregano
3/4 c fresh grated parmesan cheese
THE DRIZZLE
4 Tbsp sweet butter, unsalted
2 clove garlic, minced
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
salt, kosher variety, to taste
black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
OPTIONAL ITEMS
fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
chopped bacon, cooked diced and cooked crisp

Steps:

1. PREP/PREPARE
2. Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
3. If you are using the bacon, take 3 - 4 slices, dice, cook up crisp, then drain on a paper towel and reserve.
4. Place a rack in the bottom position and preheat the oven to 400f (205c).
5. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, and if you have a wire rack, use it.
6. Add the oil spices & cheese to a bowl, large enough to hold all of the potatoes. Add some salt and pepper, to taste.
7. Wash the potatoes and cut in half or, if they are a larger, quarter them.
8. Bring a pot of lightly salted water up to the boil, add the taters, and boil for 4 - 5 minutes.
9. Remove from the water and allow to drain on a few paper towels.
10. When baking, parboiling is a good trick to use on red or golden waxy potatoes. It makes them creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
11. Toss the warm taters in the oil and spices.
12. You want the taters completely coated in the oil, spices, and cheese, so you may need to add an additional tablespoon or two oil to the bowl.
13. Distribute the taters on the baking sheet, and place in the preheated oven.
14. Wipe out the bowl and reserve.
15. Bake until the taters are a crispy golden brown, about 20 - 25 minutes.
16. If you are not using a wire rack, you will need to turn the taters over, after 15 minutes.
17. While the taters are baking, add the butter to a small saucepan, along with the minced garlic, and keep nice and warm.
18. Remove the potatoes from the oven, place into the bowl, and drizzle with the warm garlic butter.
19. PLATE/PRESENT
20. Serve while nice and hot with your favorite main ingredient, or just eat solo. Enjoy.
21. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.