If you’re looking for a delicious and simple side dish to accompany your meal, look no further than fingerling potatoes. These small and slender potatoes are packed with flavor and make the perfect addition to any dinner table. One of the easiest and tastiest ways to prepare fingerling potatoes is by roasting them in the oven. This method brings out their natural sweetness and creates a crispy exterior, making them irresistible.
Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes
Before you begin, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and gather all your ingredients. Start by washing the fingerling potatoes thoroughly and removing any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel and place them on a cutting board. If any of the potatoes are large, you can slice them in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking.
Pro tip: Leaving the skin on the fingerling potatoes not only adds texture but also helps to seal in the moisture and flavor.
Step 2: Seasoning the Potatoes
Next, transfer the fingerling potatoes to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the potatoes gently to evenly coat them in the seasonings, making sure that each potato is well coated.
Pro tip: Feel free to get creative with your seasonings. You can add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder for extra flavor.
Step 3: Roasting the Potatoes
Place the baking sheet with the seasoned fingerling potatoes in the preheated oven. Roast the potatoes for about 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be sure to flip the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure that they are evenly browned on all sides.
Pro tip: For an extra crispy exterior, you can increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Step 4: Serving the Potatoes
Once the fingerling potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish. Sprinkle with a little extra salt and pepper if desired, and garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color. Serve the potatoes hot and enjoy!
Cooking fingerling potatoes in the oven is an easy and foolproof method that results in crispy and flavorful potatoes. This versatile side dish pairs well with a wide range of main courses and is sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, roasted fingerling potatoes are a simple and delicious choice.
Preparation of Fingerling Potatoes
Before cooking fingerling potatoes in the oven, it is important to properly prepare them. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Wash and Scrub
Start by washing the fingerling potatoes under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a vegetable brush to scrub the potatoes gently, ensuring that they are thoroughly cleaned.
2. Cut and Trim
If desired, cut the fingerling potatoes into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This is optional and can be done based on personal preference or the recipe you are following. Make sure to trim off any blemishes or unwanted parts.
3. Parboil (Optional)
Parboiling the fingerling potatoes can help ensure that they cook evenly in the oven. To do this, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the potatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until they are slightly tender. Drain the potatoes and let them cool before moving on to the next step.
4. Season
Season the fingerling potatoes with your desired herbs, spices, and seasonings. This could include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, or any other flavors you prefer.
5. Toss in Oil
Drizzle the seasoned fingerling potatoes with olive oil or another oil of your choice. Toss the potatoes in the oil to ensure they are evenly coated.
6. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while the fingerling potatoes are being prepared. This will ensure that the oven is hot and ready for baking the potatoes.
7. Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Place the seasoned fingerling potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they are evenly spaced to allow for even cooking and browning.
8. Bake
Transfer the baking sheet with the fingerling potatoes to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
9. Serve
Once the fingerling potatoes are cooked to your desired crispiness, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These potatoes make a delicious side dish or can be added to various recipes.
Following these preparation steps will ensure that your fingerling potatoes turn out perfectly cooked in the oven, with a crispy exterior and a tender interior.
Choosing the Perfect Fingerling Potatoes
When cooking fingerling potatoes in the oven, it is important to select the right type of potato to achieve the best results. Here are some tips for choosing the perfect fingerling potatoes:
- Size: Look for fingerling potatoes that are small in size, about 2-4 inches long. This size is ideal for roasting in the oven as they will cook evenly and have a nice texture.
- Shape: Fingerling potatoes have a unique elongated shape, resembling fingers. Choose potatoes with a straight and uniform shape to ensure even cooking.
- Color: Fingerling potatoes come in a variety of colors, including yellow, red, purple, and even bi-colored. Choose potatoes with vibrant and uniform skin color for an appealing presentation.
- Texture: To ensure a creamy and buttery texture, choose fingerling potatoes that have smooth and firm skin. Avoid potatoes with wrinkled or soft skin, as they may be past their prime.
- Freshness: It is important to choose fingerling potatoes that are fresh and not sprouting. Look for firm potatoes without any green spots, bruises, or blemishes.
Remember, choosing the perfect fingerling potatoes will ensure that your oven-roasted dish turns out delicious and visually appealing. Follow these tips to select the best potatoes for your cooking needs.
Washing and Scrubbing the Potatoes
Before starting the cooking process, it’s important to properly wash and scrub the fingerling potatoes to remove any dirt or debris. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Rinse the fingerling potatoes under cool running water to remove any loose dirt.
Step 2: Using a vegetable brush or a clean dishcloth, gently scrub the potatoes to remove any remaining dirt or debris.
Step 3: Pay special attention to any areas with visible dirt or blemishes, and make sure to scrub them thoroughly.
Step 4: Once the potatoes are clean, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
Note: It’s important not to peel the fingerling potatoes before cooking, as the skins help to lock in flavor and nutrients.
Seasoning the Potatoes
Before roasting the fingerling potatoes, it’s important to season them properly to enhance their flavor. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Wash and Dry the Potatoes
Start by washing the fingerling potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Once clean, pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towel. This step is important so that the seasoning sticks to the potatoes.
2. Toss with Olive Oil
In a large bowl, add the dried fingerling potatoes and drizzle them with olive oil. Use a spatula or your hands to toss the potatoes, ensuring they are all coated evenly with the oil.
3. Add Seasonings
Next, sprinkle the fingerling potatoes with your desired seasonings. Some popular options include:
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Rosemary
Feel free to mix and match the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Be generous with the seasonings to ensure a flavorful result.
4. Toss Again
Once the seasonings are added, toss the potatoes again to evenly distribute the flavors. This ensures that every bite of the roasted fingerling potatoes will be seasoned perfectly.
Now that your fingerling potatoes are nicely seasoned, it’s time to move on to the next step of roasting them in the oven.
Preheating the Oven
Before you begin cooking your fingerling potatoes, you will need to preheat your oven. This will ensure that the potatoes cook evenly and thoroughly. Follow these steps to preheat your oven:
- Turn on your oven by setting the temperature knob or keypad to the desired heat. For fingerling potatoes, a temperature of 400°F (200°C) is generally recommended.
- Allow the oven to preheat for approximately 10-15 minutes. This will give it enough time to reach the desired temperature.
- While waiting for the oven to preheat, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will make cleanup easier and prevent the potatoes from sticking.
Once the oven has reached the desired temperature and the baking sheet is prepared, you can proceed to the next step of cooking your fingerling potatoes in the oven.
Baking the Fingerling Potatoes
Once you’ve prepared your fingerling potatoes, it’s time to bake them in the oven. Here’s a simple method to achieve crispy and delicious potatoes:
Preheating the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure that it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the potatoes. This temperature will help to create a crispy exterior while keeping the insides tender.
Seasoning the Potatoes
Before baking, toss the fingerling potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Make sure all the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasoning for a consistent flavor.
Arranging the Potatoes
Place the seasoned fingerling potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure to leave some space between each potato to allow for even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
Baking Time
Bake the fingerling potatoes in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork or toothpick into the thickest part of a potato – it should go in easily without any resistance.
Flipping the Potatoes
Halfway through the baking time, use a spatula to flip the potatoes over. This will ensure that both sides of the potatoes get crispy and browned.
Serving the Potatoes
Once the fingerling potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them as a side dish or as a part of a main course. These potatoes are great with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of garlic aioli.
Enjoy your homemade baked fingerling potatoes!
FAQ
What are fingerling potatoes?
Fingerling potatoes are small, narrow potatoes that resemble fingers. They have a firm texture and a rich, buttery flavour.
How should I clean and prepare fingerling potatoes?
To clean fingerling potatoes, simply rinse them under cold water and scrub away any dirt or debris. You can leave the skin on or peel it off, depending on your preference.
Can I cook fingerling potatoes in the oven?
Yes, you can cook fingerling potatoes in the oven. It’s a popular method that results in delicious and crispy potatoes. There are various recipes available that you can try.
What seasonings can I use to flavour fingerling potatoes?
You can use a variety of seasonings to flavour fingerling potatoes. Some popular options include garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to find your favourite combination.
What temperature and cooking time should I use to bake fingerling potatoes?
The recommended temperature for baking fingerling potatoes is 400°F (200°C). The cooking time can vary depending on the size of the potatoes, but it usually takes around 25-30 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork into the potatoes, they should be tender.