Crispy Smashed Potatoes (with Garlicky Yoghurt)

Introducing…. My Crispy Smashed Potatoes (with a Garlicky Yoghurt). They are incredible! Trust me. They are the ultimate ‘side dish’ to enjoy at your next party or BBQ. Despite looking reasonably complex, they’re actually easy to make! So let’s get in to it shall we?

How To Make Crispy Smashed Potatoes

1. New Potatoes (600 grams): New potatoes are waxy and have a creamy texture, making them perfect for this dish. When smashed and roasted, they create a crispy exterior and a soft interior. The skin also adds a rustic touch to the dish.
   
2. Salt (large pinch + large pinch): Salt is a crucial ingredient for enhancing and balancing the flavors in this dish. The initial pinch of salt when boiling the potatoes helps season them from within. The second pinch when making the garlicky yogurt ensures the yogurt itself is well-seasoned.
   
3. Olive Oil (2-3 tbsp + drizzle): Olive oil adds a rich, luxurious flavor to the potatoes and aids in achieving a crispy texture when roasting. It also helps the smashed potatoes develop a golden-brown crust. The drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving adds a fresh and fragrant finish.
   
4. Garlic (1-2 cloves): Garlic provides a robust and aromatic flavor to the garlicky yogurt. The sharpness of garlic complements the creaminess of the yogurt and adds depth to the overall taste.
   
5. Dairy-Free Yogurt (250 grams): The dairy-free yogurt serves as a creamy, tangy, and cooling element in the dish. It contrasts the crispy texture of the potatoes and adds a refreshing touch. The yogurt’s creaminess and tanginess balance the flavors of the dish and provide a smooth base for the crispy smashed potatoes and the various toppings.
   
6. Lemon Juice (1/2 lemon): Lemon juice contributes acidity, which brightens the flavors of the dish. It cuts through the richness of the potatoes and yogurt, adding a zesty and refreshing note.
   
7. Pickled Red Onions: Pickled red onions offer a tangy and slightly sweet component. They add a burst of flavor, a pop of color, and a delightful crunch to each bite.
   
8. Sliced Red Chilli: Sliced red chili adds heat and a touch of spiciness to the dish. The heat from the chili complements the creaminess of the yogurt and the starchiness of the potatoes.
   
9. Chopped Fresh Mint and Parsley: Chopped fresh herbs like mint and parsley provide a burst of freshness and vibrant flavor. Mint lends a cool, refreshing taste, while parsley adds a mild, earthy note. The combination of these herbs balances the dish and adds visual appeal.
   
10. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Drizzle): The drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving adds a finishing touch of rich, fruity flavor. It ties all the components of the dish together and enhances the overall mouthfeel.

So there you have it, that’s everything you need to create this beautiful crispy smashed potato recipe!

What? Really? Can You Crush A Potato?

You sure can! If you’re new to crispy smashed potatoes, you’re in for a pretty great year!

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Boil the Potatoes: Start by boiling the potatoes until they are fork-tender. You want them to be cooked through but not falling apart.
   
2. Smash the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and let them cool slightly. Place each potato on a sturdy surface, like a cutting board, and gently press down on them with the back of a fork, a potato masher, or even the bottom of a glass. The goal is to flatten and break apart the potatoes slightly, creating a rough surface.
   
3. Season and Roast: Drizzle some olive oil over the smashed potatoes and season them with salt and any other desired seasonings. Roast the potatoes in the oven at a high temperature until they develop a crispy, golden-brown crust.

This technique results in potatoes with a crispy exterior and a tender interior. The uneven texture created by smashing the potatoes allows for more surface area to crisp up, giving them a delightful crunch.

So, while you can’t “crush” a raw potato with your hands like you might with something softer, you can certainly use kitchen tools to gently flatten and break apart cooked potatoes to create a delicious and visually appealing dish.

Wha Tool Do You Use To Smash Potatoes?

There are a few different options to create crispy smashed potatoes. My personal favourite is to use the bottom of a pint glass, wrapped in baking paper (so the potato doesn’t stick to the glass), and firmly press down on the potato.

Why Was The Potato Crushed Before It Was Used?

It’s all to do with the textures we can develop (and it also looks pretty cool too!)

1. Texture Contrast: Smashed potatoes have a unique texture that combines a crispy exterior with a tender interior. This contrast in textures enhances the overall eating experience, making the dish more interesting and enjoyable.
   
2. Crispy Surface Area: When you crush the potatoes, you create more surface area. This increased surface area allows more of the potato to come into contact with heat when roasting or frying. As a result, a larger portion of the potato develops a crispy, golden-brown crust, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.
   
3. Visual Appeal: Smashed potatoes have a rustic and visually appealing appearance. The irregular shapes and textures of the potatoes create a sense of homemade comfort and casual elegance.
   
4. Flavor Absorption: Smashed potatoes readily absorb seasonings, herbs, and oils used during cooking. The rough texture on the surface of the potatoes provides more crevices for flavors to cling to, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
   
5. Customization: The act of smashing the potatoes allows you to control the level of flattening, resulting in varying degrees of crispiness and tenderness. This gives you the ability to tailor the dish to your desired preferences.
   
6. Presentation: Smashed potatoes can be arranged on a plate or platter in an appealing manner, showcasing their unique texture and allowing for creative presentation, especially when paired with various toppings and sauces.