These Crispy Leaf Potatoes with Oregano Salt are the perfect addition to any meal. The thinly sliced potatoes are baked to golden perfection, creating a crisp texture while the duck fat adds a rich flavor. Topped with a fragrant oregano salt, these potatoes are an irresistible snack or side dish that will elevate any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

• 5.5 kg large Sebago potatoes (starchy), peeled

• 1¼ cups (310g) duck fat, melted

• 1 tablespoon sea salt flakes

• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper

For the Oregano Salt:

• ¼ cup oregano leaves

• 2 tablespoons sea salt flakes

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Trim the rounded edges of each potato to create large rectangles. Slice the potatoes thinly using a mandolin.

3. Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl and toss with melted duck fat, sea salt, and cracked black pepper.

4. In a 24cm x 37cm roasting pan, arrange the potatoes upright, packing them tightly along the short edge of the pan.

5. Roast the potatoes for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until they are golden and crispy.

6. For the oregano salt, place the oregano and half of the sea salt in a small food processor. Process until finely chopped. Transfer to a small bowl, then add the remaining sea salt and mix.

7. Once the potatoes are done, sprinkle them with the oregano salt and serve.

Nutrients (Approximate per serving, serves 8-10)

• Calories: ~200 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~30g

• Protein: ~3g

• Fat: ~10g

• Saturated Fat: ~4g

• Fiber: ~4g

A Twist on Traditional Potatoes

Potatoes are a versatile vegetable, often used as a side dish or even as the main attraction in many cuisines. The traditional roasted potato, with its crispy edges and fluffy middle, is a classic for a reason. But sometimes, you want to elevate the experience—add depth, texture, and flavor. That’s where Crispy Leaf Potatoes with Oregano Salt comes in.

This dish takes the concept of roasted potatoes and reinvents it by using thinly sliced potato layers arranged in a beautiful, fan-like pattern. The result is not only visually stunning but also enhances the crispness of each potato slice, creating a delightful crunch that’s sure to impress. The secret to this recipe’s irresistibility is the use of duck fat, which imparts a rich, luxurious flavor that makes each bite incredibly savory and satisfying.

The Magic of Duck Fat

Duck fat is often hailed as the best fat for roasting potatoes, and for good reason. Known for its high smoking point and rich flavor, duck fat gives potatoes a golden-brown, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist. It’s often used in gourmet cooking and elevates even the simplest dishes to something extraordinary.

Unlike vegetable oils or butter, duck fat has a unique flavor profile that adds a depth of richness, making these Crispy Leaf Potatoes a luxurious indulgence. While it may seem like a special ingredient, duck fat is surprisingly easy to find at most grocery stores or specialty food shops. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try rendering your own duck fat at home, adding an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

The use of duck fat is key to achieving the crispy texture that makes these potatoes so irresistible. As the fat coats each layer of potato, it helps the slices crisp up beautifully during the roasting process, ensuring a perfect golden finish that contrasts wonderfully with the tender interior of the potatoes.

Oregano Salt: The Perfect Flavor Boost

While the duck fat adds a rich, savory element to the potatoes, it’s the oregano salt that truly makes this dish sing. Oregano, a fragrant herb with earthy, slightly peppery notes, pairs beautifully with the potatoes, providing a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the duck fat. The oregano salt is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to sprinkle it over the potatoes right before serving.

The combination of oregano leaves and sea salt creates a seasoning that’s both flavorful and aromatic. The salt enhances the natural flavors of the potatoes, while the oregano adds a herbal brightness that elevates the dish. The result is a seasoning that complements the crispy potatoes perfectly without overpowering them.

You can experiment with the oregano salt by adjusting the ratio of oregano to salt based on your personal preferences. If you want a more robust herbal flavor, you can add a bit more oregano. Conversely, if you prefer a subtler seasoning, reduce the amount of oregano to suit your taste.

A Dish That’s Simple Yet Elegant

One of the beauties of Crispy Leaf Potatoes with Oregano Salt is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients—potatoes, duck fat, salt, pepper, oregano, and a little bit of garlic—this dish is incredibly easy to prepare. Despite its simplicity, it has a certain elegance that makes it perfect for special occasions, holiday meals, or even a regular weeknight dinner when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.

The method of arranging the potatoes in a tight, upright fan shape not only makes for a beautiful presentation but also ensures that every slice gets coated in duck fat, resulting in uniformly crispy edges. The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes while creating that sought-after crispiness that makes each bite so satisfying.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re serving a weeknight family dinner, hosting a dinner party, or preparing a festive meal, Crispy Leaf Potatoes with Oregano Salt are the perfect side dish. The combination of flavors and textures makes them a great accompaniment to a wide range of main dishes, from roasted meats to grilled fish or even vegetarian meals. They’re also a great addition to a holiday spread, as they pair wonderfully with other rich dishes like stuffing, roast turkey, or glazed ham.

Additionally, these potatoes are versatile enough to be served as a snack or appetizer. Their crisp, bite-sized nature makes them easy to share, and the oregano salt adds a sophisticated flavor that will impress guests at any gathering. Serve them with a dipping sauce or on their own, and they’ll quickly become the star of the show.

The Ideal Balance of Texture and Flavor

The key to Crispy Leaf Potatoes with Oregano Salt is the balance of textures and flavors. The combination of the crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior of the potatoes creates a satisfying contrast in every bite. The duck fat ensures that the potatoes crisp up perfectly, while the oregano salt brings an aromatic herbal note that ties everything together.

This dish is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. The richness of the duck fat, the freshness of the oregano, and the natural flavor of the potatoes form a harmonious whole that’s guaranteed to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing with others, these crispy potatoes are a treat that’s hard to resist.

Conclusion: A Dish Worth the Effort

Crispy Leaf Potatoes with Oregano Salt are a delicious and indulgent side dish that will elevate any meal. The use of duck fat adds richness and depth, while the oregano salt brings a fragrant, herbal finish that perfectly complements the crispy potatoes. This dish is simple yet elegant, making it suitable for both casual meals and special occasions.

The balance of textures and flavors in this dish makes it a standout addition to any dinner table. Whether you’re serving them alongside a main course or enjoying them as a snack, Crispy Leaf Potatoes with Oregano Salt are sure to become a favorite. So, the next time you’re looking for a side dish that’s both flavorful and impressive, look no further—these potatoes will not disappoint.