Aug 5, 2023

Herby New Potatoes

Updated: Jul 1

Soft boiled new potatoes, tossed in fresh herbs and olive oil. A simple, yet delicious side.

This is one of my favourite ways to eat potatoes.

POTATO LOVER

Being German, it's in my DNA and natural to love potatoes. I grew up eating potatoes prepared in many different ways. There is something very comforting for me about potatoes. Some of my favourite home-cooked dishes by my mom involve potatoes.

Examples are:

My moms Kartoffel Salat (potato salad). Perfectly cook potatoes, sliced and mixed with my moms secret mayonnaise dressing. I do called it a secret recipe because even when I follow her recipe exactly, it still doesn't taste the same. I am not sure what it is. Potato salad is a staple in summer and traditionally also served on Christmas.
She also makes a warm potato salad, which is made without a creamy mayonnaise dressing. It is more like a chunky mash potato, but flavoured with a sweet & sour vinaigrette. I am salivating as I am writing this....
Simple boiled potato served with a creamy spinach sauce and fragrant, smoky sausages (in South Africa the sausages are called Russian Sausages). I yet have to make a vegan friendly version of this one as it is SO good.
Another similar soft boiled potatoes dish, but served with a mustardy white sauce and soft boiled eggs. I don't think I'll be able to recreate this one to be vegan friendly, but it certainly used to be one of my favourites.
Finally, Brat Kartoffel. This is made with cooked potatoes, cut into smaller pieces and fried until crispy and golden! Often served with a fried egg. I have to admit that I loved it with a bit of tomato sauce when I was a kid. YUM!

POTATOES

You can use new or baby potatoes for this. If you only have larger potatoes, you can just cut them into smaller pieces. They will be just as delicious.

Make sure to choose small ones that are all similar size. This will help with an even cooking time.

OLIVE OIL

I recommend using a good extra virgin olive oil. Alternatively you can use a good vegan butter.

HERBS

Dill, chives and parsley are definitely my favourite to use in this recipe. You can however use any of your favourite herbs.

OTHER FLAVOURS

Adding spices such as za'atar, garlic granules or onion flakes add another layer of flavour.

HOW TO MAKE

You can boil or steam the potatoes until there is no resistance when testing with a sharp knife point.

Toss the warm potatoes with the olive oil and herbs. Doing this whilst they are still hot or warm will help the potatoes absorb the flavours better. You can always add more fresh herbs just before serving.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

with a vegan "sour cream" or tahini dressing
As a side to a BBQ
As a side to a roast
Pop them un the oven and roast for a few minutes to add some crunch

HERBY BABY POTATOES

Soft boiled new potatoes, tossed in fresh herbs and olive oil. A simple, yet delicious side.

Serves: 6 - 8

Time: 25 minutes (depending on the size of the potatoes)

INGREDIENTS

1kg new potatoes/ baby potatoes, all in similar size
1 tbsp sea salt
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
sea salt and crushed black pepper, season to taste
1 tbsp chives, finely chopped
1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
2 tbsp dill, finely chopped
1 tsp garlic granules (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Wash the potatoes.
Place the potatoes in a large pot of cold water and add 1 tbsp salt.
Bring to boil. Depending on the size of the potatoes, cook for 10 - 20 minutes. Large potatoes will take longer to cook. Test the potato with a sharp pointy knife to see if they are cooked through.
An alternative option would be to steam them.
Once cooked, drain the potatoes and transfer into a bowl or back into the pot.
Drizzle with olive oil, half the herbs and season with sea salt, crushed black pepper and garlic granules (if using). Toss to coat.
Before serving, add the rest of the herbs. Stir through and transfer to a serving dish. Enjoy!