These Crispy Roasted Potatoes with Salted Lemon are a flavorful twist on a classic side dish. Golden crispy potatoes are roasted to perfection and then tossed with a tangy, salty lemon sauce made with roasted garlic, capers, and fresh parsley. This recipe adds depth to the humble potato, making it a perfect pairing with roast chicken, lamb, or any hearty main dish. The combination of crispy potatoes and the umami-rich salted lemon makes this dish truly special.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

• 2 kg Maris Piper (or any roasting type) potatoes

• 1 head garlic

• 2 tablespoons capers, drained and patted dry

• 8 g fresh parsley, finely chopped

• Sunflower or rapeseed oil, as needed

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Salted Lemon:

• 2 unwaxed lemons

• 100 ml water

• 2 teaspoons sea salt

Directions

1. Boil the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into quarters (or eighths for larger potatoes). Place them in a pot of cold salted water, then bring to a rolling boil and cook for about 10 minutes, until easily pierced with a knife but not falling apart. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Salted Lemon: Wash the lemons well, then juice them. Slice the lemon rinds into thin strips. In a pot, combine the lemon rinds, juice, salt, and water, then cook over medium-low heat with the lid on for 5-10 minutes until the lemon rinds soften. Add more water if necessary to prevent burning.

3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Coat the base of a roasting pan with oil to about 2-3 mm deep. Once hot, toss the drained potatoes in the hot oil. Season with salt and pepper and add the garlic, cut side down. Roast for about 1 hour, turning every 20 minutes, until the potatoes are deeply golden. Add the capers in the last 15 minutes to crisp up.

4. Prepare the Lemon Dressing: In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the salted lemon mixture, squeeze the roasted garlic from its skins, and mix into a chunky paste. Add half the chopped parsley and stir.

5. Assemble the Potatoes: Transfer the roasted potatoes into a serving bowl and toss with the lemon and garlic sauce. Garnish with the remaining chopped parsley and crisped capers. Serve immediately.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 252.58 kcal

• Fat: 2.71 g

  • Saturated Fat: 0.53 g

  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.7 g

• Carbohydrates: 48.37 g

  • Fiber: 5 g

  • Sugars: 3.72 g

• Protein: 6.04 g

• Sodium: 874.08 mg

• Cholesterol: 0 mg

This dish is a perfect balance of crispy textures and tangy flavors, with the salted lemon adding an exciting twist to a simple side.

The Crispy Roasted Potatoes: A Perfect Base

At the heart of this dish are the potatoes, which are the perfect canvas for all the vibrant flavors. Maris Piper potatoes are an excellent choice for roasting due to their waxy texture and ability to crisp up beautifully when roasted. However, you can use any roasting variety that holds its shape well during cooking. The process begins with boiling the potatoes to ensure they cook through while still maintaining their integrity. After draining, the potatoes are roasted at a high temperature, allowing them to become golden brown and crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside.

The addition of garlic cloves, placed cut-side down, infuses the potatoes with a mild, savory flavor that complements the other ingredients in the dish. By roasting the garlic alongside the potatoes, it becomes sweet and soft, perfect for mashing into the salted lemon dressing later on.

The Tangy Salted Lemon: Adding Depth and Brightness

The salted lemon is the star of this dish, offering a unique twist that brings both brightness and complexity to the potatoes. To make the salted lemon, lemon rinds are slowly cooked with lemon juice, water, and sea salt, softening the rinds and infusing them with a tangy, salty flavor. The result is a citrus-forward sauce with a deep, savory profile that enhances the richness of the roasted potatoes.

The salted lemon mixture is then blended with roasted garlic and parsley, creating a chunky paste that is perfect for tossing with the crispy potatoes. The sauce not only adds a burst of flavor but also a layer of creaminess, thanks to the roasted garlic. It’s the perfect accompaniment to the crispy potatoes, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory base.

Capers and Fresh Parsley: A Touch of Freshness

Capers and parsley are the finishing touches that bring the dish together. The capers are added towards the end of roasting, where they crisp up and provide an added burst of briny, umami flavor. Their salty, tangy punch complements the sweetness of the roasted garlic and the tartness of the salted lemon, making every bite even more exciting.

Fresh parsley is sprinkled over the top as a garnish, providing a fresh, herbal note that balances out the richness of the potatoes and sauce. The combination of capers and parsley not only adds flavor but also gives the dish a bright, vibrant appearance, making it visually appealing as well.

Roasting Technique: Achieving the Perfect Crisp

Achieving the perfect crispy roasted potatoes requires a few key steps. First, the potatoes are parboiled to ensure they cook evenly. Boiling them in salted water helps to season the potatoes from the inside out, ensuring that every bite is flavorful. After draining and tossing the potatoes in hot oil, they are seasoned with salt and pepper before roasting at a high temperature. This process allows the potatoes to become perfectly golden and crisp on the outside, while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside.

Turning the potatoes every 20 minutes during roasting ensures that they brown evenly and get that irresistible crispiness all around. Adding the capers in the last 15 minutes of roasting allows them to crisp up and develop a wonderful, intense flavor without becoming too bitter.

The Versatility of Salted Lemon

The salted lemon dressing is not only fantastic for roasted potatoes but can also be used in other dishes. The mixture of roasted garlic, lemon, and capers can be drizzled over grilled vegetables, roasted meats, or even served as a dipping sauce for bread. The bright and tangy nature of the salted lemon makes it a versatile condiment that pairs well with a variety of flavors, adding depth and a punch of acidity wherever it’s used.

This dressing is also an excellent way to bring a burst of freshness and flavor to salads or pasta dishes, making it a great addition to any home cook’s repertoire.

Nutritional Benefits

Crispy Roasted Potatoes with Salted Lemon not only deliver bold flavors but also offer a well-rounded nutritional profile. The potatoes provide a good source of carbohydrates and fiber, which are essential for energy and digestive health. The addition of capers offers a burst of umami flavor with a modest amount of calories and sodium, while the parsley adds essential vitamins and minerals.

The roasted garlic contributes antioxidants, and the lemon provides a dose of vitamin C, which helps support the immune system. With the olive oil and healthy fats from the potatoes, this dish offers a satisfying balance of flavors without being overly indulgent. It’s a great option as a side dish for a balanced, nutrient-rich meal.

Perfect Pairings for the Crispy Roasted Potatoes

These crispy roasted potatoes with salted lemon are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a wide variety of main dishes. They’re an excellent side for roasted meats like chicken or lamb, as the tangy lemon sauce complements the rich flavors of the meat. The dish also pairs wonderfully with grilled fish, providing a zesty contrast to the delicate flavors of the seafood.

For a vegetarian or vegan meal, these potatoes can be served alongside roasted vegetables, grains like quinoa or farro, or a simple green salad. The salted lemon dressing adds so much flavor to the potatoes that they can easily stand on their own as a main dish for a lighter, satisfying meal.

Easy to Make, Yet Full of Flavor

One of the best things about this dish is how simple it is to prepare, despite the complex flavors. The process involves basic steps like boiling, roasting, and making a quick sauce, but the combination of these steps creates a dish that feels elevated and gourmet. The salted lemon sauce is easy to make and can be prepared while the potatoes are roasting, making it a practical yet impressive side dish.

Conclusion

Crispy Roasted Potatoes with Salted Lemon are a fantastic way to elevate the classic potato side dish. The combination of golden, crispy potatoes with the tangy, umami-packed salted lemon dressing creates a flavor explosion that is both comforting and exciting. With the addition of roasted garlic, capers, and fresh parsley, this dish offers a depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of main dishes. Whether you’re serving it with roast chicken, lamb, or simply enjoying it on its own, these potatoes will add a special touch to any meal. Easy to make yet full of flavor, this side dish is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.