Crispy Oven-Roasted Batatas à Murro Potatoes Recipe

If you are searching for a side dish that perfectly pairs crispy texture with rustic charm, this Crispy Oven-Roasted Batatas à Murro Potatoes Recipe is the answer to your cravings. These smashed little potatoes offer a delightful crunch on the outside while staying tender and fluffy on the inside. With simple ingredients brought together in a straightforward method, this recipe transforms humble baby potatoes into a standout dish that’s both comforting and impressive. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy potatoes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Crispy Oven-Roasted Batatas à Murro Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—imparting flavor, texture, or aroma—while keeping the preparation fuss-free and approachable.

• 2 pounds baby potatoes: Choose uniform-sized small potatoes to ensure even cooking and perfect smashability.
• 4 tablespoons olive oil: Adds depth and helps achieve that irresistible golden crisp crust.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the potatoes with aromatic warmth and a subtle kick.
• 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors while balancing the richness of the oil.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle heat that complements the garlic and paprika.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Delivers a smoky sweetness and vibrant color to the potatoes.
• Fresh herbs (for garnish): Adds an herbal freshness that brightens each crispy bite.

How to Make Crispy Oven-Roasted Batatas à Murro Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by washing and scrubbing the baby potatoes until they are clean of any dirt. Place them in a pot of salted water and boil for about 15 minutes or until they are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork. This initial cooking stage is essential because it softens the potatoes inside while preparing them for their crispy transformation.

Step 2: Preheat and Season

While the potatoes are boiling, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a baking sheet, drizzle olive oil and combine it with the minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and paprika. This seasoning base will coat the potatoes and build layers of savory flavor with every bite.

Step 3: Smash the Potatoes

Once the potatoes have cooled slightly, gently smash each one using the bottom of a glass or a fork. Aim to flatten them just enough to create a larger surface area without tearing them apart completely. This smashing step is what gives this recipe its distinctive texture—crispy edges with a soft, fluffy center.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Place the smashed potatoes on the prepared baking sheet, brush them with a bit more olive oil, and season with an extra pinch of salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Keep an eye on them towards the end to ensure they don’t burn but get perfectly crispy.

How to Serve Crispy Oven-Roasted Batatas à Murro Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary are excellent choices to sprinkle on top just before serving. They add a refreshing contrast to the rich, crispy potatoes and elevate the dish’s aroma, making every bite more enjoyable and vibrant.

Side Dishes

These crispy smashed potatoes pair beautifully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or alongside a hearty salad. Their versatility means you can serve them at casual weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings without any hassle.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun and inviting presentation, serve the potatoes piled high on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, or tangy yogurt dip. This makes sharing easy and adds a social dimension to the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover Crispy Oven-Roasted Batatas à Murro Potatoes Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating them properly will help maintain their crispiness so they taste almost as good as fresh.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the potatoes before smashing and roasting. Place boiled potatoes in a freezer-safe bag and thaw completely before smashing and roasting. This way, you avoid sogginess and preserve the signature crispy texture upon cooking.

Reheating

To reheat, place the potatoes on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the potatoes soft and loses that perfect crunch we all love.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, but baby potatoes are preferred because they cook evenly and smash easily without falling apart. If using larger potatoes, consider cutting them into smaller chunks before boiling.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

This recipe is naturally vegan-friendly since it uses olive oil and plant-based seasonings. Just be sure your garnishes and dips are vegan as well.

Can I add other spices to the seasoning?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like cumin, chili powder, or dried herbs to customize the flavor profile exactly to your liking.

How can I ensure the potatoes get crispy?

The key is giving the potatoes enough space on the baking sheet and brushing them generously with olive oil. Roasting at a high temperature also helps develop a beautiful crisp crust.

What are Batatas à Murro potatoes?

Batatas à Murro translates to “punched potatoes” in Portuguese, referring to the technique of lightly smashing boiled potatoes before roasting to create a textured, crispy outside and fluffy inside—a simple method with delicious results.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Crispy Oven-Roasted Batatas à Murro Potatoes Recipe enough if you want to brighten up your table with a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s a small burst of golden joy in every bite, perfect for sharing with family and friends. So go ahead, gather those baby potatoes and start roasting—your taste buds will thank you!

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