Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Portuguese Oven-Roasted Potatoes?
Spicy Portuguese Oven-Roasted Potatoes are a flavor-packed side dish where potatoes are roasted until crispy and then baked in a zesty sauce made from garlic, onions, tomatoes, chicken stock, and piri-piri.
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
This dish features a fragrant mix of garlic, onion, and fresh thyme, combined with a spicy and tangy piri-piri sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
Are these potatoes gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe uses gluten-free chicken stock and other naturally gluten-free ingredients, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
What temperature should the oven be for the initial roasting?
The oven should be preheated to 240C, or 220C if using a fan-forced oven.
How long do the potatoes roast for the first time?
The potatoes roast for approximately 30 minutes until they are lightly browned and starting to crisp.
What kind of potatoes should I use?
Starchy or all-purpose potatoes are best for roasting to ensure a crispy exterior and soft interior.
How do I prepare the potatoes for this recipe?
The potatoes should be peeled and chopped coarsely before roasting.
What is piri-piri sauce?
Piri-piri is a traditional Portuguese chili sauce that provides a spicy, tangy kick to the dish.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply swap the gluten-free chicken stock for gluten-free vegetable stock.
What ingredients are in the savory sauce?
The sauce includes garlic, onion, tomatoes, paprika, fresh thyme, chicken stock, and piri-piri sauce.
How should the garlic and onion be prepared?
The garlic should be peeled and crushed, while the onion should be chopped coarsely.
How do I prepare the fresh thyme?
The fresh thyme should be finely chopped before being added to the sauce.
What happens during the simmering stage of the sauce?
The sauce is simmered uncovered for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the liquid to thicken slightly.
Do I need to change the oven temperature for the second bake?
Yes, after the initial roasting, lower the oven temperature to 180C, or 160C for fan-forced ovens.
How long is the second baking stage once the sauce is added?
The potatoes bake with the sauce for an additional 20 minutes.
What garnish is recommended for this dish?
The potatoes should be garnished with coarsely chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried thyme, but reduce the amount to about 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Is the baking dish covered or uncovered?
The potatoes are roasted and baked uncovered throughout the entire cooking process.
How much olive oil is used in total?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil, divided between roasting the potatoes and sautรฉing the aromatics.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of piri-piri sauce or choose a mild version of the bottled sauce to lower the heat level.
Can I make this dish even spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add extra piri-piri sauce or include some crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce mixture.
What type of tomatoes should be used?
The recipe calls for 4 medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped.
Can I use a different type of oil?
While olive oil is traditional for Portuguese cooking, you can use other high-smoke point oils like avocado or vegetable oil.
What is the benefit of roasting the potatoes before adding the sauce?
Roasting them first ensures they get a crispy texture that holds up well once the sauce is added.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I reheat these potatoes?
Yes, they can be reheated in the oven at 180C until hot to maintain some of the crispy texture.
What can I serve these potatoes with?
They pair perfectly with grilled chicken, roasted meats, or grilled fish.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
The recipe suggests peeling them, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer a more rustic texture.
Is the chicken stock added cold or hot?
The stock can be added at room temperature as it will be brought to a boil in the pan with the other sauce ingredients.