arlic Roasted Potatoes (Patates fournou) Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug from the Mediterranean, look no further than the irresistible arlic Roasted Potatoes (Patates fournou). This traditional Greek recipe brings together the zesty brightness of fresh lemon, the pungent comfort of garlic, and the herbaceous depth of oregano, all perfectly roasted to golden, crispy-tender perfection. Each bite is a celebration of simple ingredients elevated through slow roasting, creating a side dish that’s as vibrant on the plate as it is on your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it alongside a beautifully grilled fish or enjoying it as a stand-alone treat, these potatoes have an unmatched charm that you’ll want to make over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the magic right with arlic Roasted Potatoes (Patates fournou) is all about using fresh, quality ingredients that enhance each other. The list is delightfully straightforward, yet each item plays a crucial role in crafting that signature flavor and texture this dish is known for.
- Potatoes: Medium-sized and peeled for a smooth texture and perfect roasting consistency.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to distribute bursts of warm, savory notes throughout.
- Yellow mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth, helping coat the potatoes beautifully.
- Fresh lemon juice: The star citrus element, bringing brightness and a slight tartness that sings.
- Dry oregano: Classic Greek herb that lends an aromatic earthiness.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Ensures silky richness and a flawlessly crisped exterior.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to season and amplify all other flavors.
How to Make arlic Roasted Potatoes (Patates fournou)
Step 1: Prepping the Potatoes
Start by peeling your potatoes, then cutting them into wedges. The best technique is to slice them lengthwise in half, cut those halves again lengthwise, and then slice across horizontally to achieve chunky, rustic wedges that roast evenly.
Step 2: Mixing the Flavor Base
Combine minced garlic, yellow mustard, fresh lemon juice, dry oregano, salt, pepper, and extra virgin olive oil in a large mixing bowl or directly in your baking pan if it’s roomy enough. Stir them together to form a fragrant dressing that’s bursting with Mediterranean character.
Step 3: Tossing Potatoes with the Mixture
Add the potato wedges to the pan and give everything a thorough toss using a spoon or your hands. Make sure each piece is lovingly coated with the aromatic mixture because that’s where the magic is.
Step 4: The Perfect Slow Roast
Cover your pan tightly with foil to keep moisture in and pop it into a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius (390 Fahrenheit). Bake for one hour to allow the potatoes to absorb the flavors and soften beautifully. After that, remove the foil and roast for another 30 to 40 minutes so they develop a gorgeous golden brown crust. This final roasting step is essential to get that delightful crispy exterior everyone raves about.
How to Serve arlic Roasted Potatoes (Patates fournou)
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese elevate the dish with pops of color and fresh taste, complementing the lemony, garlicky potatoes effortlessly. A light dusting of smoked paprika can add a subtle smoky dimension as well.
Side Dishes
These potatoes pair brilliantly with grilled meats, especially lamb or chicken, as well as fresh Greek salads loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives. They also work wonderfully alongside seafood or simply as a delightful vegetarian main with a dollop of tzatziki.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve these potatoes in individual small serving bowls or cast iron skillets. Drizzle a little extra olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon on top just before serving to brighten everything up. You could even scatter some toasted pine nuts for an added crunch that will surprise and delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover arlic Roasted Potatoes (Patates fournou) taste amazing chilled or reheated. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep well for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making them perfect for next-day enjoyment.
Freezing
If you want to freeze these potatoes, it’s best to do so before baking. Portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers, and they’ll last for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and then proceed to roast them fresh to regain that crisp texture and fresh aroma.
Reheating
To reheat, spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and warm them in a hot oven (around 180 degrees Celsius/350 Fahrenheit) for 15 to 20 minutes. This keeps them crispy without getting soggy like microwave reheating sometimes does.
FAQs
Can I use other herbs besides oregano in arlic Roasted Potatoes (Patates fournou)?
Absolutely! While oregano is traditional and offers that characteristic Greek flavor, you can experiment with thyme, rosemary, or even a mix of Mediterranean herbs to suit your palate.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Peeling potatoes for this recipe creates a smoother texture and allows the flavors to better penetrate. However, if you prefer a more rustic feel, leaving the skins on is perfectly fine—just be sure to scrub them well.
Can I make arlic Roasted Potatoes (Patates fournou) vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it depends solely on plant-based ingredients like olive oil, lemon, and herbs. Just skip any optional garnishes like feta cheese if you want to keep it strictly vegan.
What if I don’t have yellow mustard?
If you don’t have yellow mustard, you can substitute it with Dijon mustard or simply omit it. The potatoes will still be flavorful but might be missing a slight tang and complexity that mustard adds.
Why should I cover the pan with foil during baking?
Covering the pan traps steam which helps cook the potatoes through and infuses them with those garlicky lemon flavors while keeping them tender inside. Removing the foil later lets them crisp up perfectly on the outside.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about arlic Roasted Potatoes (Patates fournou) that makes them a beloved staple around Greek tables, and now they can be a staple at yours, too. Easy to prepare, deeply flavorful, and endlessly comforting, this recipe has a delightful way of turning simple ingredients into a treasured dish. So, grab your lemons, garlic, and potatoes, and get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with a plate of golden, fragrant goodness. Kali oreksi!
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arlic Roasted Potatoes (Patates fournou) Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Traditional Greek Lemon Garlic Roasted Potatoes (Patates fournou) are a flavorful and comforting side dish featuring tender potato wedges roasted in a zesty lemon, garlic, and oregano marinade, finished with extra virgin olive oil. This classic recipe offers a perfect balance of tangy and savory notes with a crispy golden exterior and soft inside.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1kg / 2.2lb medium sized potatoes, peeled
Marinade
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon dry oregano
- 125ml (1/2 cup) extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (390 Fahrenheit) to prepare for roasting the potatoes evenly.
- Prepare Potatoes: Cut the peeled potatoes in half lengthwise, then cut each half in half again lengthwise to form wedges. Finally, cut the wedges horizontally, resulting in evenly sized potato pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the cut potatoes in a heavy baking pan or uncovered casserole dish (ceramic preferred). Add minced garlic, yellow mustard, fresh lemon juice, dry oregano, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper to the pan.
- Mix Thoroughly: Using a spoon or your hands, mix the potatoes and marinade ingredients thoroughly until the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Place the pan on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil after 1 hour. Bake uncovered for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crisp to your liking.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy the traditional Greek flavors of lemon, garlic, and oregano enhancing the roasted potatoes.
Notes
- If you prefer less crispy potatoes, remove the foil after 1 hour and 15 minutes, then bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes more.
- For added meat flavor, consider adding 125ml (1/2 cup) of chicken broth to the mixture before baking.
- Using a heavy or ceramic baking dish helps distribute heat evenly and produce better roasting results.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste before baking for the best flavor balance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 180g)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Greek lemon garlic potatoes, Patates fournou, roasted potatoes, lemon oregano potatoes, Greek side dish
