Description
Crispy Roasted Batatas à Murro Potatoes are a Portuguese-inspired dish featuring medium-sized waxy potatoes that are boiled, gently smashed, seasoned with olive oil, garlic, herbs, and coarse sea salt, then roasted to achieve a perfectly golden, crunchy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. This simple yet flavorful recipe is an ideal side dish that pairs well with meats, seafood, or vegetarian meals and is sure to impress with its irresistible texture and taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 6 medium-sized waxy potatoes (such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
Seasonings & Oil
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt, plus more for seasoning
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced or crushed
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1–2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Thoroughly wash the potatoes to remove any dirt. Boil them in salted water for about 20-25 minutes, until they are just tender but not falling apart. This parboiling step ensures a tender interior.
- Smash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool slightly. On a cutting board, gently press down on each potato just enough to crack and flatten it slightly without breaking it completely. This creates crevices that crisp beautifully during roasting.
- Season and Oil: Arrange the smashed potatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle generously with olive oil, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt, minced garlic, fresh herbs if using, and cracked black pepper. Ensure each potato is evenly coated to enhance browning and flavor.
- Roast to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roast the potatoes for 25-35 minutes, turning them halfway through to achieve even crispness on both sides. Aim for a deep golden color while monitoring to prevent burning.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve immediately to enjoy the crispy edges and fluffy interiors at their best.
Notes
- Choose waxy or all-purpose potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for optimal crispness and texture.
- Do not skip boiling; parboiling is essential for tender interiors.
- Smash gently to avoid breaking potatoes into pieces.
- Use plenty of olive oil to help create golden, crispy edges.
- Roast at high heat and flip halfway for even crispness.
- Season potatoes before roasting for intensified flavor.
- Serve with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a hot oven to restore crispness.
- Freezing is possible but may reduce crispiness; flash freeze before storing.
- Avoid microwaving leftovers as it will cause sogginess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Portuguese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 150g)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg