Savory Oven-Roasted Herbed Potato Wedges
Inspired by a beloved family recipe, these Savory Oven-Roasted Herbed Potato Wedges are your go-to dish for a healthy and satisfying side. Coated in a touch of olive oil and sprinkled with freshly ground black pepper, these wedges bring a hearty yet light option to any meal. The simple, foundational recipe is versatile enough to adapt to your culinary whims; whether you're in the mood for zesty lemon and garlic, fragrant thyme, or earthy cumin, each iteration is sure to please. Ideal for pairing with roast chicken, lamb, or enjoyed as a snack on their own, these golden wedges are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Leverage the seasonal herbs available to enhance the flavors and make this dish your own. Perfect for lunch or an afternoon snack, they can be served in stylish paper cones with a dash of vinegar or a side of your favorite dipping sauce!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Roasting Potatoes
2 lbs (Wash and cut into chunky wedges.)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (Used for coating the potatoes.)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
To taste (Coat potatoes evenly.)
Sea Salt
To taste (Sprinkle on before roasting along with other herbs and spices.)
Optional Herbs and Spices
To taste (Use according to preference (e.g., rosemary, thyme, cumin, garlic, etc.).)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 220°C (450°F).
2
Thoroughly wash and scrub the roasting potatoes; there's no need to peel them to retain their nutrients and rustic charm.
3
Slice the potatoes into chunky wedges, about 1 inch wide.
4
In a ziplock bag or a plastic container, combine the potato wedges with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.
5
It's best to skip the salt at this stage, as it can draw out moisture from the potatoes.
6
Seal the bag or container and shake vigorously until all the wedges are lightly coated in oil and pepper.
7
Transfer the coated potato wedges to a sturdy oven-proof roasting tin, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer for optimal crispiness.
8
Sprinkle the wedges with sea salt and any additional herbs or spices you wish to add. A pinch of rosemary, thyme, or cumin can elevate the flavor profile.
9
Add another twist of freshly ground black pepper for extra flavor.
10
Roast in the oven for 45 to 60 minutes, turning halfway through, until the wedges are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
11
If desired, finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for garnish just before serving, or simply serve them 'au naturel' as a delightful vegetable side dish.
12
For a fun presentation, serve these potato wedges in paper cones for a light lunch or snack, complete with a small dish of vinegar or your favorite dipping sauce, such as mayonnaise.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Oven-Roasted Herbed Potato Wedges?
They are a hearty yet light side dish or snack made from roasting potatoes coated in olive oil, black pepper, and various herbs until golden and crispy.
What is the best oven temperature for roasting these wedges?
Preheat your oven to 220°C (450°F) to ensure the wedges become crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Do I need to peel the potatoes for this recipe?
No, there is no need to peel the potatoes. Leaving the skin on retains nutrients and provides a rustic charm.
How should I cut the potatoes into wedges?
Slice the washed and scrubbed roasting potatoes into chunky wedges that are approximately 1 inch wide.
What is the best way to coat the potatoes in oil and seasoning?
Place the wedges in a ziplock bag or a plastic container with olive oil and pepper, then shake vigorously until they are evenly coated.
Why shouldn't I add salt to the ziplock bag with the oil?
It is best to skip salt at the initial coating stage because salt can draw out moisture from the potatoes, potentially making them less crispy.
When is the right time to add salt to the potato wedges?
Sprinkle the sea salt onto the wedges after you have transferred them to the roasting tin, just before putting them in the oven.
How long do the potato wedges take to roast?
The wedges typically take between 45 to 60 minutes to roast until they are golden brown.
Do I need to turn the potatoes while they are in the oven?
Yes, you should turn the potato wedges halfway through the cooking time to ensure they crisp up evenly on all sides.
What herbs go well with these roasted potato wedges?
You can use a variety of herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or even spices like cumin to elevate the flavor profile.
Are these potato wedges a healthy side dish?
Yes, they are considered a healthy option as they use a minimal amount of olive oil and are baked rather than deep-fried.
What can I serve with these herbed potato wedges?
They pair perfectly with roast chicken, lamb, or can be enjoyed as a standalone snack with dipping sauces.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can adapt the recipe by adding garlic or even lemon for a zesty flavor twist.
How do I ensure the wedges don't stick to each other in the pan?
Make sure to spread the wedges out in a single layer in a sturdy oven-proof roasting tin for optimal results.
What is the recommended serving size for this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 lbs of potatoes, which is generally suitable for a family side dish or a hearty snack for several people.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
Can I use fresh herbs for garnish?
Yes, finishing the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs just before serving adds a lovely pop of color and flavor.
How can I present these for a fun lunch or party snack?
Try serving them in stylish paper cones with a small side dish of vinegar or your favorite dipping sauce.
What kind of dipping sauces are recommended?
A dash of vinegar or a side of mayonnaise are classic choices that complement the savory herbed flavors.
Can I use cumin in this recipe?
Yes, earthy cumin is one of the recommended spices that can be used to customize the wedges.
Are these wedges crispy or fluffy?
When roasted correctly at high heat, they are golden and crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy on the inside.
Is olive oil the only oil I can use?
While olive oil is recommended for its flavor and health benefits, you can use other roasting oils if you prefer.
How many ingredients are needed for the base recipe?
The base recipe requires only 4 main ingredients: roasting potatoes, olive oil, black pepper, and sea salt.
Can I make these wedges ahead of time?
They are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for maximum crispiness, but they can be reheated in an oven to restore some of their texture.
Is there a specific type of potato I should use?
Look for 'roasting potatoes' which are generally starchy enough to get that perfect fluffy interior when baked.
What amount of olive oil is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of olive oil to coat 2 lbs of potatoes.
Can children enjoy this recipe?
Yes, this is a family-friendly recipe that is a much healthier alternative to store-bought french fries.
Do I need to soak the potatoes in water before roasting?
This specific recipe does not require soaking; simply wash, scrub, and cut them before coating and roasting.
Can I use ground pepper instead of freshly ground?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor profile, but pre-ground pepper can be used in a pinch.
What is the key to getting them 'golden brown'?
The combination of the high oven temperature (220°C), a light coating of oil, and spreading them in a single layer is key to browning.