Hearty Pepper-Infused Potato Medley
This warmly spiced potato bake, infused with the rich flavors of oil-preserved chargrilled peppers, is a satisfying dish that delights the senses with its combination of textures and flavors. The dish strikes a beautiful balance between the sweet, smoky essence of peppers and the luxurious softness of tender, well-seasoned potatoes. It's a perfect accompaniment for a cozy family dinner or as a stand-alone comfort dish. Ideal for meal prepping, this dish maintains its charm, even when served at room temperature or reheated, making it versatile for any occasion.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Waxy maincrop potatoes, such as Cyprus
1 kg (peeled and cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) slices, then quartered)
Chargrilled peppers in oil
2 jars (use oil as well, cut into strips if necessary)
Coriander seeds
2 tablespoons (whole)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 220°C/gas mark 7 (392°F), preparing it to transform these simple ingredients into a delightful dish.
2
2. Prepare the potatoes by peeling them first. Slice them into 2.5 cm (1 inch) rounds and subsequently quarter each round. For smaller slices, simply halve them, then distribute uniformly in a spacious shallow roasting tin.
3
3. Pour the entire contents of the chargrilled peppers jars over the arranged potatoes, including the flavorful preserving oil. If the peppers aren't already in bite-sized strips, use kitchen scissors to snip them into smaller pieces for even distribution.
4
4. Add the coriander seeds for an aromatic spice twist, then thoroughly toss the ingredients until well combined.
5
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour. By this time, the potatoes should be sumptuous and tender inside, with beautifully golden edges that hint at crispiness.
6
6. After baking, gently lift the potatoes from the pan using a slotted spatula or spoon, letting any excess oil drain back into the pan. Transfer to a large warm serving bowl. Enjoy them hot immediately, or allow them to rest for up to 45 minutes if you prefer them warm.
7
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the potatoes in advance by peeling and slicing them. Submerge in a water-filled bowl, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Remember to drain and pat dry before continuing with the recipe.
8
Storage Tip: Store any leftovers promptly by cooling, covering, and refrigerating. They will last for up to 5 days. Reheat as needed on a baking sheet at 200°C/gas mark 6 for about 20 minutes, though this may vary with the quantity.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hearty Pepper-Infused Potato Medley?
It is a warmly spiced potato bake infused with the rich, smoky flavors of oil-preserved chargrilled peppers and aromatic coriander seeds.
What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
Waxy maincrop potatoes, such as the Cyprus variety, are recommended for their ability to become tender while holding their shape.
Should I peel the potatoes for this dish?
Yes, the instructions specify that you should peel the potatoes before slicing them into rounds.
How should the potatoes be sliced?
Slice the potatoes into 2.5 cm (1 inch) rounds and then quarter each round. Smaller slices can simply be halved.
What role do the chargrilled peppers play in the recipe?
They provide a sweet, smoky essence and their preserving oil acts as the cooking fat and seasoning base for the potatoes.
Do I need to drain the oil from the pepper jars?
No, you should pour the entire contents of the jars over the potatoes, including the flavorful preserving oil.
What should I do if the jarred peppers are whole?
Use kitchen scissors to snip the peppers into smaller, bite-sized strips for even distribution throughout the dish.
What aromatic spice is added to this medley?
Two tablespoons of whole coriander seeds are added to provide an aromatic spice twist.
What is the required oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 220 degrees Celsius or gas mark 7 (392 degrees Fahrenheit).
How long does this potato medley take to bake?
The dish should bake for approximately 1 hour in the preheated oven.
How can I tell when the potatoes are fully cooked?
The potatoes should be sumptuous and tender on the inside with beautifully golden, crispy edges.
How should I remove the potatoes from the roasting tin?
Use a slotted spatula or spoon to lift the potatoes, allowing any excess oil to drain back into the pan before serving.
Can this dish be served at different temperatures?
Yes, it can be enjoyed hot immediately, or allowed to rest for 45 minutes to be served warm. It is also delicious at room temperature.
Can I prepare the potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can peel and slice the potatoes up to 24 hours ahead if you submerge them in a water-filled bowl and refrigerate them.
What must I do before cooking pre-prepped potatoes?
Make sure to drain the water and pat the potatoes dry before continuing with the recipe.
How long can I store leftovers in the refrigerator?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days if they are cooled and covered promptly.
What is the best way to reheat the leftovers?
Reheat them on a baking sheet at 200 degrees Celsius (gas mark 6) for about 20 minutes.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 10 people.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is naturally vegetarian-friendly.
Is this dish good for meal prepping?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prepping as it maintains its texture and flavor well when reheated or served cold.
What type of roasting tin should I use?
A spacious, shallow roasting tin is best to ensure the potatoes are distributed uniformly and cook evenly.
Can I use different spices?
While coriander seeds are the recommended aromatic, you can experiment with others, though the smoky peppers provide most of the flavor profile.
Is this a main dish or a side dish?
It works perfectly as a side dish for family dinners or as a stand-alone comfort dish.
Why is the preserving oil from the peppers used?
The oil is already infused with the flavor of the chargrilled peppers, adding deep seasoning to the potatoes without needing extra ingredients.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features soft, tender potato centers with crispy edges contrasted by the silky texture of the peppers.
Does the dish use fresh peppers?
No, this recipe specifically uses oil-preserved chargrilled peppers from jars for their unique texture and smoky flavor.
How many main ingredients are required?
The recipe is very simple, requiring only 3 main ingredients: potatoes, jarred peppers, and coriander seeds.
What is the difficulty level of this recipe?
It is tagged as an easy preparation dish, making it accessible for cooks of all levels.
Can I serve this at a party?
Absolutely, its versatility and ability to be served warm or at room temperature make it great for gatherings.
Why is it called a Medley?
It is called a medley because it is a harmonious mixture of various textures and flavors from the potatoes, peppers, and seeds.