Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Moroccan-Inspired Spiced Potatoes?
These are golden, roasted potatoes tossed in a vibrant spice paste made with garlic, lemon juice, cumin, and black pepper, offering a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
What ingredients do I need for this recipe?
You will need 2 lbs of potatoes, 4 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of cracked black pepper, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, and 4 teaspoons of olive oil.
How do I prepare the spice paste?
Mince or crush the garlic and mix it in a bowl with ground cumin, salt, cracked black pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth.
How long should the spice paste sit before use?
The spice paste should sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 300ยฐF (150ยฐC), though you may adjust higher for convection ovens.
How should I cut the potatoes?
Peel the potatoes and cut them into quarters, or smaller uniform chunks if they are particularly large.
How long do I need to boil the potatoes?
Simmer the potato pieces in boiling water for about 5 to 6 minutes until they are slightly tender but not fully cooked.
Why should I shake the potatoes after draining?
Gently shaking the pot roughens the edges of the potatoes, which helps create maximum crispiness during the roasting process.
How long does roasting take?
The potatoes should be roasted for 30 minutes in total, turning them halfway through for even browning.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian and contains no meat products.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 128 calories per serving of these spiced potatoes.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 5.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 17.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in these potatoes?
Each serving provides 2g of protein.
What type of garlic should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 fresh garlic cloves, which should be minced or crushed for the spice paste.
Can I use different spices?
While this recipe uses cumin and pepper for a Moroccan flair, you can adjust the spices to your preference.
How do I ensure the potatoes are golden and crispy?
The combination of par-boiling, roughening the edges, and roasting at the correct temperature ensures a golden, crispy finish.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 7 main ingredients required for this recipe.
Is lemon juice necessary for this recipe?
Yes, the 2 teaspoons of lemon juice add a zesty brightness that complements the cumin and garlic.
Can I use any type of potato?
You should use potatoes suitable for roasting to get the best texture results.
How should I serve these potatoes?
They are best served hot, shortly after being removed from the oven and allowed to cool slightly.
Does this recipe include any sugar?
No, the nutritional profile indicates there is no sugar in this recipe.
What makes this dish Moroccan-inspired?
The use of cumin, garlic, and lemon juice provides the characteristic warm and citrusy flavor profile found in Moroccan cuisine.
Should the potatoes be peeled?
Yes, the instructions specify that the potatoes should be peeled before being quartered.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the spice paste at least an hour in advance, but the potatoes are best roasted fresh for maximum crispiness.
Is olive oil required?
Yes, 4 teaspoons of olive oil are used to bind the spice paste and help the potatoes roast to a golden color.
What is the primary cooking method?
The dish involves both boiling (simmering) and roasting in the oven.
How much salt is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Is this a side dish or main course?
It is categorized as a side dish, perfect for complementing various main courses.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It features exotic flavors of garlic, lemon, and fragrant cumin, resulting in a savory and zesty taste.