Zesty Cajun-Style Potato Wedges
These Zesty Cajun-Style Potato Wedges are a delightful twist on a classic snack, prepared with young Yukon Gold potatoes to achieve a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. Enhanced with the bright freshness of lemon, aromatic garlic, and savory herbs, these wedges are sure to impress. Whether served as a stand-alone appetizer with your favorite dip or as a flavorful side alongside grilled meats or poultry, they bring a touch of Louisiana flavor to any table. Perfect for barbecues, parties, or a cozy night in, these wedges will have everyone coming back for more.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
4 large (unpeeled, cut into wedges)
Lemon
1 (cut into wedges)
Garlic cloves
8 whole (unpeeled)
Sweet onion
1 (peeled and cut lengthwise into small wedges)
Bay leaves
4
Fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons
Water
4 tablespoons
Tomato paste
1 tablespoon
Salt
to taste (preferably sea salt)
Pepper
to taste (preferably sea salt)
Paprika
1 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon (or fresh, if in season, use double)
Thyme
1 teaspoon
Ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon
Olive oil
4 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat your barbecue grill.
2
In a large saucepan, add the potato wedges and cover them with cold water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, then bring to a boil. Allow them to cook for 3-5 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
3
In a roasting pan (or an aluminum foil tray for barbecue cooking), combine the drained potato wedges with lemon wedges, unpeeled garlic cloves, onion wedges, and bay leaves.
4
In a small bowl, mix together the fresh lemon juice, water, and tomato paste. Add the paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, cumin, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then stir to combine into a spice mixture.
5
Pour the spice mixture over the potato mixture in the pan and toss gently to coat all the wedges evenly.
6
Drizzle the olive oil over the top, then place the pan in the preheated oven or on the barbecue.
7
Bake or grill for 35-40 minutes, turning the potatoes with a metal spatula halfway through, until they are golden, crispy, and tender.
8
Remove from the oven or grill and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your zesty potato wedges as an appetizer or a delicious side dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Cajun-Style Potato Wedges?
They are a flavorful snack or side dish made from young Yukon Gold potatoes, featuring a crispy exterior, fluffy interior, and a blend of Louisiana-inspired spices and lemon.
What kind of potatoes are best for this recipe?
Young Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended to achieve the ideal balance of a crispy outside and fluffy inside.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, the recipe calls for 4 large potatoes to be left unpeeled and cut into wedges.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before roasting the wedges.
Can I cook these on a barbecue grill?
Yes, you can cook them on a barbecue grill using an aluminum foil tray as an alternative to oven roasting.
Why is parboiling the potatoes necessary?
Parboiling for 3-5 minutes helps ensure the potatoes are tender on the inside while allowing the outside to become crispy in the oven.
How many garlic cloves are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 whole garlic cloves.
Should the garlic cloves be peeled before roasting?
No, the garlic cloves should be left unpeeled when added to the roasting pan.
How should the sweet onion be prepared?
The sweet onion should be peeled and cut lengthwise into small wedges.
What ingredients make up the spice mixture?
The spice mixture consists of fresh lemon juice, water, tomato paste, paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, and ground cumin.
How much cayenne pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a zesty kick.
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
Yes, if oregano is in season, you can use fresh oregano; however, you should use double the amount specified for dried.
What type of salt is recommended?
Sea salt is the preferred choice for seasoning these potato wedges.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of olive oil to be drizzled over the wedges before cooking.
How long do the potatoes need to cook in the oven?
They should be baked or grilled for 35-40 minutes.
Do I need to turn the potatoes while they cook?
Yes, you should turn the potatoes with a metal spatula halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these Zesty Cajun-Style Potato Wedges are vegetarian-friendly.
What is the purpose of adding bay leaves?
Four bay leaves are added to the roasting pan to provide an aromatic herbal depth to the dish.
What is the role of tomato paste in the spice mixture?
Tomato paste helps bind the spices together and adds a savory richness and color to the coating.
How should the lemon be prepared for the pan?
One whole lemon should be cut into wedges and tossed directly with the potatoes in the roasting pan.
When should I add the spice mixture to the potatoes?
Pour the spice mixture over the potato mixture in the pan after combining the wedges, lemon, garlic, and onion, but before adding the olive oil.
What are some suggested serving occasions for this dish?
They are perfect for barbecues, parties, or as a cozy snack during a night in.
Can these be served as a main course?
While they are primarily an appetizer or side dish, they can be served as a component of a larger vegetarian meal.
What should the potatoes look like when finished?
The finished wedges should be golden, crispy on the edges, and tender when pierced.
How much water is used in the spice sauce?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of water to be mixed with the lemon juice and spices.
Should the potatoes be dried after parboiling?
Yes, they should be drained thoroughly after boiling to ensure they roast properly rather than steam.
What equipment do I need for BBQ cooking?
You should use an aluminum foil tray to contain the potatoes and spice mixture on the grill.
What provides the 'zesty' flavor in this recipe?
The 'zesty' profile comes from the combination of fresh lemon wedges, 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and the spicy Cajun seasonings.
How much cumin is needed?
The recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.