Introduction
French fried potato squares marinated in herbs are a delightful and flavorful dish, perfect for anyone who enjoys crispy and savory snacks. The combination of soft.
tender potato cubes with aromatic herbs creates a unique twist on the classic French fries. Marinating the potatoes not only adds flavor but also ensures.
that every bite is packed with a rich and savory taste, making this dish a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or a delicious side for any main meal.
Ingredients
-4 medium-sized potatoes
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
-1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped)
-2 cloves garlic (minced)
-1 teaspoon paprika
-½ teaspoon salt
-½ teaspoon black pepper
-1 tablespoon lemon juice
-1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into even, bite-sized squares. This will ensure they cook uniformly.
resulting in crispy and golden edges. Rinse the potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, and then pat them dry with a clean towel.
In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Mix well to create the marinade for the potatoes. You can adjust the amount of herbs depending on your personal preference or add more spices if you like a spicier kick.
Add the potato squares into the bowl with the marinade. Toss the potatoes thoroughly, ensuring each piece is coated evenly with the aromatic herbs and spices.
For best results, let the potatoes marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, refrigerating the mixture for 1-2 hours allows the flavors to intensify.
Heat a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add a little more olive oil, ensuring the bottom is coated to prevent the potatoes from sticking.
Carefully place the marinated potato squares in the hot pan in a single layer. Allow them to cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until.
they turn golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook them in batches, depending on the size of your pan.
Once the potatoes are fried to perfection, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels.
This will help absorb any excess oil and keep the fries crispy. You can also sprinkle a little extra salt at this stage for added flavor.
Before serving, drizzle the fried potatoes with a touch of fresh lemon juice and garnish with chopped parsley. This will add a refreshing zest and an extra layer of color to your dish.
How to Make
To begin, prepare the potatoes by washing and peeling them. Slice them into square chunks, making sure they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
This will ensure that each piece fries at the same rate, giving you that satisfying, crispy exterior. Once the potatoes are prepped, rinse them to remove extra starch and dry them thoroughly.
Next, marinate the potato squares with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
The herbs bring a fragrant aroma, and the garlic offers a savory note that infuses into the potatoes during the marinating process. Stir everything together until the potatoes are well-coated.
Once the potatoes have marinated, it’s time to fry them. Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the marinated potatoes into the pan in batches. You want to avoid overcrowding the pan so that each piece has enough room to crisp up properly.
Allow the potatoes to fry for a few minutes on each side until they reach a crispy, golden-brown color. Flip them carefully using tongs or a spatula to avoid breaking the pieces apart.
After frying, transfer the cooked potatoes to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil, helping them stay crispy.
While still warm, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the crispy potatoes to give them a zesty finish.
The lemon adds a bright contrast to the savory herbs and elevates the overall flavor profile.
To finish, sprinkle the fries with freshly chopped parsley. This not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh herbal note.
that complements the marinated flavors. Serve immediately as a side dish or as a stand-alone snack.
For a variation, you can experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or some oregano for a Mediterranean touch.
The beauty of this dish is in its versatility, allowing you to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Tips
To achieve perfectly crispy potato squares, it’s essential to dry the potatoes thoroughly after rinsing them. Excess moisture will cause them to become soggy rather than crispy when frying.
If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the marinated potato squares in the oven instead of frying.
Simply preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Consider using waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for this recipe. These types hold their shape.
better when cooked and result in a creamier texture inside. Russet potatoes, though starchy and great for fries, can break apart more easily in this dish.
For an extra burst of flavor, try adding grated Parmesan cheese to the potatoes after frying.
The cheese will melt slightly and adhere to the crispy surface, adding richness and a savory finish.
If you’re making this dish for a large group, consider doubling or tripling the recipe. You can fry the potatoes in batches.
keeping the cooked potatoes warm in the oven while you finish frying the rest.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with the herbs. If you enjoy a more Mediterranean taste.
consider adding some oregano, basil, or even mint to the marinade for a refreshing twist.
Lastly, don’t forget the garnishing step! A little fresh parsley, rosemary sprigs, or a light sprinkle of chili flakes can make your dish not only more flavorful but also more visually appealing.
Conclusion
French fried potato squares marinated in herbs are an irresistible treat, combining the richness of garlic and herbs with the crispy texture of golden fries.
The marinating process elevates the flavor, ensuring that each bite is bursting with taste, making them a perfect side dish or snack for any occasion.
This dish is versatile, customizable, and incredibly easy to prepare, offering endless possibilities for experimentation with spices and herbs.
Whether you enjoy them as a party appetizer or a quick weeknight side, these herb-marinated fries are sure to be a hit every time.