Description
A quick, zero-waste solo dinner featuring small potatoes boiled, smashed flat, and pan-fried in butter until shatteringly crisp, then topped with a flavorful garlic herb butter.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680g) small Yukon Gold or Red potatoes
- Water (enough for boiling)
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for boiling water)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
- 1 tablespoon oil (olive or avocado oil)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for frying)
Instructions
- Wash potatoes thoroughly (do not peel). Place in a small saucepan and cover with cold water by an inch. Add 1 tablespoon salt to the water.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender but not mushy.
- Drain potatoes immediately and let them sit in a colander for 2-3 minutes to steam off excess water. Pat dry if necessary.
- While potatoes boil or rest, mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Place drained potatoes on a plate to cool slightly. Smash each potato flat to about 1/2-inch thickness using a masher or the bottom of a heavy glass dipped in water.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or heavy non-stick pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter.
- Once butter foams, place smashed potatoes in the skillet in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Flip potatoes carefully. Spread a generous teaspoon of the garlic herb butter mixture on top of each potato.
- Cook for another 4-5 minutes on the second side until golden and crispy.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Dry potatoes are key to crispiness; ensure they are well-drained and dried before smashing. Use medium heat to prevent burning. The garlic herb butter can be made up to 2 days in advance. Avoid using large Russet potatoes as they fall apart when smashed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 8
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 6
Keywords: smashed potatoes, solo dinner, easy dinner, crispy potatoes, garlic herb butter, quick meals, comfort food, vegetarian