Here’s a simple recipe for Hasselback Potatoes:
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry.
- Place a potato on a cutting board and make thin slices along its length, making sure not to cut all the way through. You can use chopsticks or wooden spoons on either side of the potato to prevent the knife from going too deep.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried thyme (if using).
- Place the sliced potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Brush the olive oil mixture generously over each potato, making sure to get the oil and garlic between the slices.
- If desired, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the potatoes, ensuring some gets into the slices.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes or until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork; it should go through easily.
- Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for added flavor and a pop of color.
- Serve the Hasselback Potatoes hot, and enjoy!
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or toppings. These potatoes make a delicious side dish for any meal!
FAQs
Why are they called hasselback potatoes?
Hasselback Potatoes are named after the Hasselbacken restaurant in Stockholm, Sweden, where they were first introduced. The potatoes are thinly sliced but not completely cut through, creating a unique accordion-like appearance. The name “Hasselback” is derived from the restaurant’s moniker.
What is the easiest way to cut hasselback potatoes?
The easiest way to cut Hasselback Potatoes is to place the potato on a stable surface, such as a cutting board. Then, use a sharp knife to make thin slices across the potato, being careful not to cut all the way through. To help control the depth of the cuts, you can place chopsticks or wooden spoons on either side of the potato to act as a guide for the knife.
Why do you soak potatoes before roasting?
Soaking potatoes before roasting can help remove excess starch from the surface, resulting in a crispier exterior when roasted. This step is particularly beneficial when making roasted or baked potato dishes like Hasselback Potatoes. Soaking also prevents the potatoes from sticking together and allows for a more even coating of oil and seasonings.
Is it better to boil potatoes before roasting?
While it’s not necessary to boil potatoes before roasting, some recipes may recommend parboiling them briefly to speed up the cooking process. Parboiling partially cooks the potatoes, reducing the overall roasting time and ensuring that the interior cooks through while the exterior becomes crispy. However, for traditional Hasselback Potatoes, parboiling is not a common step, as the sliced potatoes can achieve a perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness through direct roasting in the oven.