Recipe: Banged Potatoes with Parmesan and Herbs

These are the best potatoes I've ever had.  I was looking for a tastey, healthful sidedish to go with our roast chicken besides potatoe salad or mashed potatoes and found this recipe on allrecipes.com. 

These potatoes are parboiled, then you lay them on a cookie sheet, gently squish them with the heal of your hand, then put them in a bowl and coat them in olive oil, paramesan and herbs, then roast them until they are golden and fluffy with a crispy edging all over.  Absolute perfection.

BANGED POTATOES WITH PARMESAN AND HERBS
from allrecipes.com

5 pounds small new potatoes
3/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup melted butter
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).  Place the potatoes in a large saucepan of water. Cover; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat; gently cook potatoes until tender but still firm, about 20 minutes. Drain.

Place potatoes on a greased, rimmed baking sheet. Smash the warm potatoes with the heel of your hand or a small pan to flatten slightly and break the skin (I wore my oven mitt).

Mix together the olive oil, butter, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a large bowl; add the potatoes and toss well. Return coated potatoes to baking sheet, leaving 1/2 inch space between each potato.

Roast potatoes in the preheated oven until lightly browned and slightly crispy; about 30 minutes. Place hot potatoes on a large platter; sprinkle with parsley and the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.

Printable Copy
 
Enjoy!

from the story "The Lady Who Put Salt in her Coffee"

by Lucretia P. Hale

Illustrated by H.I. Bacharach & Frances Eckart

1953 Spenser Press