Lemon Dill Smashed Fingerling Potatoes

These Lemon Dill Smashed Fingerling Potatoes are a delightful side dish perfect for any occasion. With their crispy edges and zesty lemon-dill sauce, they bring a fresh twist to your dinner table. Easy to prepare, these potatoes can complement grilled meats or serve as a standout dish at potlucks and gatherings. Their unique flavor profile is sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The broiling process gives these smashed potatoes a satisfying crunch.
• Bright Flavors: Fresh lemon juice and dill create a refreshing taste that elevates the dish.
• Simple Preparation: With just a few steps, you can whip up this delicious side in under 40 minutes.
• Versatile Pairing: These potatoes pair well with various proteins, making them suitable for any meal.
• Healthy Option: Naturally low in calories, this dish is a guilt-free indulgence.

Tools and Preparation

To achieve the best results when making Lemon Dill Smashed Fingerling Potatoes, having the right tools on hand is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Fork or glass
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides ample space for roasting and smashing the potatoes evenly.
• Fork or glass: Helps flatten the potatoes effectively, ensuring maximum crispiness during broiling.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining your fresh lemon dill sauce before drizzling over the potatoes.
• Whisk: Ensures all ingredients in the sauce mix thoroughly for an even flavor distribution.

Ingredients

For these flavorful Lemon Dill Smashed Fingerling Potatoes, gather the following ingredients:

For the Potatoes

• 2 lbs fingerling potatoes
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lemon Dill Sauce

• 1/4 cup freshly-squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
• 3 medium cloves garlic, crushed into a paste
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill

How to Make Lemon Dill Smashed Fingerling Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet to prevent sticking. Arrange the fingerling potatoes in a single layer on the pan. Using a fork, prick each potato all over to allow steam to escape during roasting.

Step 2: Roast the Potatoes

Roast the fingerling potatoes in the oven at 425F for about 20-25 minutes. They should be tender when pierced with a fork. Once roasted, take a fork or glass and gently smash each potato flat while spacing them apart on the baking sheet.

Step 3: Broil for Crispiness

Drizzle the smashed fingerling potatoes with melted butter and season them with salt and pepper to taste. Place under the broiler on high for 3-5 minutes until they turn crispy and golden brown.

Step 4: Prepare the Lemon Dill Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together lemon juice, zest, garlic paste, and minced dill until well combined. Once ready to serve, spoon this vibrant sauce generously over your crispy smashed potatoes. Enjoy!

How to Serve Lemon Dill Smashed Fingerling Potatoes

Lemon Dill Smashed Fingerling Potatoes are a delightful side dish that can elevate any meal. Their crispy texture and zesty flavor pair well with various main courses, making them versatile for any occasion.

With Grilled Chicken

• The bright flavors of lemon and dill enhance the savory notes of grilled chicken, creating a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Alongside Roasted Vegetables

• Serve these potatoes next to a medley of roasted vegetables for a colorful, nutritious plate that balances flavors and textures.

Paired with Fish

• The lemony sauce complements fish dishes beautifully, especially grilled or baked varieties, adding a fresh twist to your seafood feast.

As Part of a Salad Bowl

• Incorporate smashed fingerling potatoes into a hearty salad bowl with greens, nuts, and your favorite dressing for added substance and flavor.

How to Perfect Lemon Dill Smashed Fingerling Potatoes

To achieve the best results when making Lemon Dill Smashed Fingerling Potatoes, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose the right potatoes: Opt for firm fingerling potatoes that are uniform in size for even cooking.
• Preheat your oven properly: Ensure your oven is fully heated to 425F before roasting for optimal crispiness.
• Smash evenly: Use a fork or glass to smash each potato evenly; this helps them cook through while getting crispy edges.
• Broil carefully: Keep an eye on the potatoes while broiling to prevent burning; they can go from golden brown to overcooked quickly.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper after broiling; sometimes, more seasoning enhances the flavor significantly.
• Serve immediately: These potatoes are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while they’re still crispy.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Dill Smashed Fingerling Potatoes

Lemon Dill Smashed Fingerling Potatoes serve as an excellent accompaniment to many dishes. Here are some great side dish ideas that complement their unique flavors:

1. Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears lightly grilled add a crunchy texture and earthy flavor.
2. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers and tomatoes offers a light contrast to the potatoes’ richness.
3. Sauteed Spinach: Quickly sautéed spinach with garlic provides a nutritious green element to balance your plate.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts seasoned with balsamic vinegar create depth in flavor alongside the potatoes.
5. Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous mixed with herbs gives an aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with lemon-dill flavors.
6. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds brightness and sweetness, perfect for summer gatherings when served fresh off the grill.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Lemon Dill Smashed Fingerling Potatoes from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Not Prepping the Potatoes Properly: Failing to prick the potatoes can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure you poke holes in the potatoes before roasting to allow steam to escape.
• Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: Placing too many potatoes on one pan can result in soggy potatoes. Spread them out in a single layer for optimal crispiness.
• Ignoring the Broiling Step: Skipping the broiling process will prevent your potatoes from achieving that crispy finish. Don’t rush this step; it makes all the difference.
• Using Old or Stale Spices: Fresh herbs like dill enhance flavor significantly. Always use fresh ingredients for the best taste and aroma.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Under-seasoning your potatoes can lead to bland results. Be generous with salt and pepper after smashing for maximum flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Lemon Dill Smashed Fingerling Potatoes in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Lemon Dill Smashed Fingerling Potatoes

• Place cooled potatoes in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Lemon Dill Smashed Fingerling Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use medium heat and microwave in short intervals, checking often, about 1-2 minutes total.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth until warmed and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Lemon Dill Smashed Fingerling Potatoes:

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute fingerling potatoes with baby Yukon gold or red potatoes for similar results.

How do I make Lemon Dill Smashed Fingerling Potatoes vegan?

Simply replace unsalted butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

What can I serve with Lemon Dill Smashed Fingerling Potatoes?

These potatoes pair well with grilled chicken, fish, or as a side dish for any main course.

How should I adjust for different oven types?

If using a convection oven, reduce baking temperatures by about 25°F for even cooking.

Can I add other herbs?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with other herbs such as parsley or chives for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Dill Smashed Fingerling Potatoes are not only delicious but also versatile enough to complement various dishes. Their crispy texture and zesty flavor make them ideal for any meal. Don’t hesitate to customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices!