These Authentic Greek Potatoes are a treat for the taste buds! They’re perfectly baked and infused with lemon, garlic, and herbs, making them fragrant and delicious.
Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be serving them at every family dinner. They’re simple, tasty, and the leftovers (if you have any) taste even better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are perfect for roasting because they have a creamy texture. If you can’t find them, try using new potatoes or red potatoes for a similar effect. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, as they may become mushy.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is key for flavor. If you need a substitute, avocado oil or canola oil work, but they might change the taste slightly. Use oil that’s high-quality for the best results.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives these potatoes a robust flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can swap it with garlic powder (1/8 teaspoon per clove), but fresh is always better for this dish.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors. If you don’t have lemons, you can use vinegar (like white wine or apple cider) instead, but it will change the flavor profile a bit.
Dried Oregano: Greek oregano has a wonderful flavor for this recipe. If you don’t have it, any dried oregano will do, but you can also try Italian seasoning or marjoram as alternatives.
How Do I Get the Perfect Roasted Texture?
Roasting potatoes to get that crispy outer layer while keeping the inside fluffy is key. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure to cut the potatoes into even wedges so they cook at the same rate.
- Coat them well in olive oil and seasonings to promote crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish. Use a single layer for even roasting.
- Pouring water or broth creates steam that softens the potatoes, so don’t skip this step.
- Flipping the potatoes halfway through cooking ensures all sides get golden brown.
Follow these tips, and you’ll end up with delicious, perfectly roasted Greek potatoes every time!
Authentic Greek Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 2 lbs (about 1 kg) Yukon Gold or new potatoes, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced (plus optional lemon slices for roasting)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano (Greek oregano preferred)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or dill (optional)
- Salt, to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
For Garnish (Optional):
- Crumpled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 45-50 minutes to cook. In total, you should plan for around 1 hour to enjoy these delightful potatoes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your potatoes begin roasting immediately for that golden, crispy finish.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Wash the potatoes thoroughly and cut them into wedges, leaving the skin on for added texture and flavor.
3. Make the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, thyme (or dill, if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s nicely mixed.
4. Coat the Potatoes:
Add the potato wedges to the marinade in the bowl. Toss them well to ensure every piece is coated evenly with the delicious mixture.
5. Arrange in Baking Dish:
Transfer the coated potatoes into a large baking dish or ovenproof pan. Spread them out in a single layer for even cooking.
6. Add Lemon Slices (Optional):
If you choose, tuck some lemon slices around the potatoes for an extra burst of citrus flavor as they roast.
7. Incorporate Liquid:
Pour about 1/4 cup of water or vegetable broth into the dish. This helps steam and soften the potatoes during roasting, ensuring they cook perfectly.
8. Roast the Potatoes:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 45-50 minutes. Be sure to turn the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to achieve a uniform golden color and tenderness.
9. Final Touches:
Once done, remove the dish from the oven. Taste the potatoes and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
10. Add Garnishes (Optional):
For an authentic Greek flair, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and fresh chopped parsley or dill on top of the hot potatoes just before serving.
11. Serve:
Enjoy these warm, flavorful Greek potatoes as a side dish with your favorite Greek mains or salads. They are sure to impress!
Enjoy your delicious and aromatic Authentic Greek Potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Yes! While Yukon Gold or new potatoes are recommended for their texture and flavor, you can also use red potatoes. Just avoid starchy types like Russets, as they may not hold their shape as well during roasting.
Can I Prep These Potatoes in Advance?
Absolutely! You can cut the potatoes and marinate them a few hours ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to roast. Just be sure to let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting for more even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftover Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep them moist.
Can I Make These Potatoes Vegan?
Yes! This recipe is already vegan-friendly as there are no animal products in the ingredients. Just skip the feta cheese, or opt for a vegan feta if you prefer a cheesy topping.