Crispy Salt Water Potatoes
New potatoes. These delightful, bite-sized gifts from above are a favorite in our kitchen. While we adore all kinds of potatoes, these little gems stand out, especially when prepared using this unique method. Curious about what makes this recipe special? Instead of simply boiling or roasting them, the secret lies in heavily salting the boiling water—yes, go all out with the salt—and then boiling the potatoes until every drop of water evaporates.
Trust us, this method isn’t just about cooking until they’re fork-tender; it’s about committing to cooking off every last drop of water, leaving you with beautifully salt-crusted, crystalline potatoes. This technique creates a crispy skin and a dense, creamy interior unlike any other potato you’ve ever tasted.
Once you’ve tried this method, you won’t want to cook potatoes any other way. Finish them off by tossing your spuds in herbed butter and roasting them for 20 minutes. This final touch adds even more incredible flavor, resulting in the best crispy-on-the-outside, smooth-and-creamy-on-the-inside potatoes. You’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe transforms humble potatoes into a gourmet delight with minimal ingredients and effort. The salt-crusted skin offers a unique texture, while the creamy interior provides a satisfying contrast. Plus, the herbed butter infuses each bite with exquisite flavor.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot
- Food processor or knife
- Baking sheet
- Microwave (optional)
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 pounds new potatoes, scrubbed and rinsed
- 1/3 cup kosher salt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chives, roughly chopped
- 1 1/2 tablespoons parsley, roughly chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh rosemary
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, sliced into pats
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400º F.
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Add the salt and stir well. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer until all the water has evaporated, leaving a salt film on the potatoes. Rinse off excess salt and drain the potatoes. Transfer them to a large bowl.
- In a food processor, combine garlic, chives, parsley, and rosemary. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Add the butter to the food processor and pulse until smooth, or melt the butter separately and whisk in the herbs and garlic.
- Pour half of the melted herb butter over the boiled potatoes, then transfer them to a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the potatoes are lightly browned.
- Re-melt the remaining herb butter and pour it over the roasted potatoes. Serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Ensure the potatoes are evenly coated with the salt film for maximum flavor.
- Using fresh herbs intensifies the flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted if necessary.
Additional Tips or Variations
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the herb butter. Alternatively, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes before roasting for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
This dish is a great source of fiber and potassium, with each serving containing approximately 200 calories, 10 grams of fat, and 3 grams of protein.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use other types of potatoes? Yes, but new potatoes work best due to their size and texture.
Is there a substitute for kosher salt? Sea salt or any coarse salt can be used, but adjust the quantity to taste.
Conclusion
Give these Crispy Salt Water Potatoes a try and experience a new twist on a classic side dish. We promise they’ll be a hit at your next meal. We’d love to hear how your potatoes turned out, so feel free to share your experience in the comments below!