Ingredients
- Potatoes: 3 lbs, medium-sized, such as Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, for their creamy texture and ability to crisp up nicely when roasted. Make sure they are scrubbed clean and cut into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup, extra virgin olive oil, is crucial for roasting as it helps the potatoes get golden brown and crispy. It also adds a rich flavor base to the dish.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed from about 1 large lemon. Fresh lemon juice provides the bright, tangy flavor that is key to this recipe and balances the richness of the potatoes and oil.
- Lemon Zest: 1 tablespoon, from about 1 large lemon. Lemon zest adds a concentrated burst of lemon flavor, intensifying the citrus notes and aromatic qualities of the dish.
- Fresh Dill: 1/4 cup, chopped fresh dill. Fresh dill offers a delicate, slightly sweet, and herbaceous flavor that pairs exceptionally well with lemon and potatoes, adding a fresh, vibrant element.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced garlic. Minced garlic provides a savory, aromatic depth that enhances the overall flavor profile of the roasted potatoes, complementing both the lemon and dill.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, kosher salt or sea salt. Salt is essential for seasoning and drawing out moisture from the potatoes, contributing to their crispy exterior and flavorful interior.
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground black pepper. Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and enhances the other flavors, providing a balanced and well-rounded taste.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Potatoes: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving perfectly roasted potatoes with crispy edges and fluffy insides. While the oven is preheating, prepare your potatoes. Thoroughly scrub the potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. For this recipe, medium-sized Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work exceptionally well due to their texture and ability to roast beautifully. Once cleaned, cut the potatoes into uniform 1-inch pieces. Consistency in size is key to ensure even cooking; otherwise, smaller pieces might burn before larger pieces are fully cooked. Placing them in uniform sizes guarantees they’ll all be tender at the same time.
- Toss Potatoes with Oil and Seasonings: In a large bowl, place the cut potatoes. Drizzle them generously with 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil is crucial for roasting as it not only prevents the potatoes from sticking to the baking sheet but also contributes to their crispy exterior and rich flavor. Next, add the minced garlic, fresh lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the bowl. Using your hands or a large spoon, toss everything together thoroughly to ensure that all the potato pieces are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. Massage the seasonings into the potatoes to maximize flavor penetration. This step is where the magic happens, infusing the potatoes with the vibrant flavors of lemon, dill, and garlic.
- Arrange Potatoes on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. It’s important to arrange them in a single layer and avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding will cause the potatoes to steam instead of roast, resulting in soggy potatoes rather than crispy ones. If necessary, use two baking sheets to ensure ample space between the potato pieces. For even better browning and crispiness, you can use a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easier cleanup or simply directly on the baking sheet for maximum heat contact.
- Roast Potatoes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown. The roasting time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of the potato pieces. About halfway through the roasting time, around the 20-minute mark, remove the baking sheet from the oven and flip the potatoes with a spatula. Flipping them ensures even browning and crisping on all sides. Continue roasting for the remaining time, checking for doneness by piercing a potato piece with a fork. They should be easily pierced and tender throughout. The edges should be beautifully golden brown and crispy, indicating they are perfectly roasted.
- Serve Immediately: Once the potatoes are roasted to golden perfection and tender inside, remove them from the oven. Transfer the Lemon Dill Roasted Potatoes to a serving bowl. They are best served immediately while they are hot and crispy. The aroma of lemon, dill, and roasted garlic will be incredibly enticing at this point. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of fresh dill, if desired, for added freshness and visual appeal. Serve these flavorful potatoes as a side dish to your favorite main courses and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and bright, zesty flavors!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g