Tag: potatoes

Peppered Parmesan Fries

Categories Recipes, Sides, Snacks2 Comments on Peppered Parmesan Fries

If you love cheese and potatoes, these crispy Peppered Parmesan Fries are for you!  They have just the right amount of kick from the red pepper flakes, and the garlic powder ties all of the flavors together.  The parmesan creates the ultimate crispy coating, and whether you’re in need of a side for burgers or a late night snack, I promise they will be devoured!

Main Supplies Needed:

  • A Peeler
  • Knife & Cutting Board
  • A Large Bowl
  • A Colander
  • Paper Towels
  • A Cheese Grater (unless the cheese is pre-grated)
  • Parchment Paper
  • A Large Baking Sheet  

Servings: 2 – 3 Sides

Ingredients:

  • 4 Medium** Russet Potatoes, peeled
  • 1 Heaped Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/2 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • Just Under 1/2 Tsp Sea Salt
  • 1/4 Tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese, finely grated

**Aim for potatoes that are approximately 7 oz each before peeling.  After peeling they will be reduced to closer to 4 – 5.5 oz each.

INGREDIENT NOTES:

A great-tasting extra virgin olive oil and parmesan cheese really make all the difference!

LINKS TO INGREDIENT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Red Pepper Flakes | Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

PREP

Peel and slice the potatoes into 1/4 inch fries, keeping the size consistent for even cooking time

Place the potato slices in a large bowl, and fill it with chilled water and a few ice cubes

Let the potato slices soak for 45 minutes to remove the excess starch

While the potatoes are soaking, preheat the oven to 425º 

Prepare the grated cheese (if not pre-grated) and set aside

Rinse the potato slices well in a colander when the time is up, then blot them dry with paper towels

Thoroughly clean the bowl used for soaking before reusing it in the next step to get rid of all of the starch that was removed in the soaking process

In the cleaned large bowl, coat the potato slices with the olive oil

Once evenly coated, toss with the red pepper flakes, sea salt, and garlic powder

Toss again with the cheese until evenly covered

BAKE

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper

Spread the prepared potatoes evenly across the baking sheet, keeping them from overlapping as much as possible to allow them to crisp

They will bake for a total of 45 minutes with the following mixing and flipping times:

Pause your timer when removing them from the oven at these intervals while you’re stirring/flipping the fries

At the 15 minute mark, gently stir the fries around the pan, flipping them over as well

Repeat the above at the 30 minute mark

At the 40 minute mark, the fries can be left alone, but turn the pan around in the oven for the final 5 minutes

At 45 minutes, they should now be crispy enough for most, but if you enjoy them on the crunchier, more burned side, feel free to add an extra 2 minutes!

Remove from the oven and serve immediately while warm

Enjoy!

Loved these fries?  Try my Rosemary Parmesan Fries!

Rosemary Parmesan Fries

Categories Recipes, Sides, Snacks3 Comments on Rosemary Parmesan Fries

Perfectly crispy and herby with a subtle hint of cheese and spice, these oven-baked Rosemary Parmesan Fries are the perfect side to have on hand for the summer burger season!  They’re also delicious all on their own when you’re in need of a flavorful savory snack.

I choose to go small-batch with these fries as they really do taste best when they’re fresh!  Of course if you’re serving more people, doubling the ingredient amounts is simple!  The given quantity fills up one standard large baking sheet.

Main Supplies Needed:

  • A Peeler
  • Knife & Cutting Board
  • A Large Bowl
  • A Colander
  • Paper Towels
  • A Cheese Grater (unless the cheese is pre-grated)
  • Parchment Paper
  • A Large Baking Sheet

Servings: 2 – 3 Sides

Ingredients:

  • 4 Medium** Russet Potatoes, peeled
  • 1 Heaped Tbsp + 1/2 Tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3 Tsp Fresh Rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1/4 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • Just Under 1/2 Tsp Sea Salt
  • 2 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese, finely grated

**Aim for potatoes that are approximately 7 oz each before peeling.  After peeling they will be reduced to closer to 4 – 5.5 oz each.

INGREDIENT NOTES:

A great-tasting extra virgin olive oil and parmesan cheese really make all the difference!

LINKS TO INGREDIENT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Red Pepper Flakes | Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

PREP

Peel and slice the potatoes into 1/4 inch fries, keeping the size consistent for even cooking time

Place the potato slices in a large bowl, and fill it with chilled water and a few ice cubes

Let the potato slices soak for 45 minutes to remove the excess starch

While the potatoes are soaking, preheat the oven to 425º 

Prepare the fresh rosemary and grated cheese and set aside

Rinse the potato slices well in a colander when the time is up, then blot them dry with paper towels

Thoroughly clean the bowl used for soaking before reusing it in the next step to get rid of all of the starch that was removed in the soaking process

In the cleaned large bowl, coat the potato slices with the olive oil

Once evenly coated, add in the chopped rosemary, sea salt, and red pepper flakes

Stir until the herbs have evenly covered the potatoes

Add in the grated parmesan and stir again

BAKE

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper

Spread the prepared potatoes evenly across the baking sheet, keeping them from overlapping as much as possible to allow them to crisp

They will bake for a total of 45 minutes with the following mixing and flipping times:

Pause your timer when removing them from the oven at these intervals while you’re stirring/flipping the fries

At the 15 minute mark, gently stir the fries around the pan, flipping them over as well

Repeat the above at the 30 minute mark

At the 40 minute mark, the fries can be left alone, but turn the pan around in the oven for the final 5 minutes

At 45 minutes, they should now be crispy enough for most, but if you enjoy them on the crunchier, more burned side, feel free to add an extra 2 minutes!

Remove from the oven and serve immediately while warm

Enjoy!

In need of a great thick-cut versatile fry? Try my Crispy Potato Wedges!

One-Skillet Beef & Veggie Empanada Filling

Categories RecipesLeave a Comment on One-Skillet Beef & Veggie Empanada Filling

This One-Skillet Beef & Veggie Empanada Filling is a must-try!  The ingredient preparation is so darn simple and it’s all combined in a single skillet!  You can use either a homemade or store-bought dough of your choosing to then bake the savory pastries.  This recipe fills about 13 medium-sized empanadas making it a perfect choice for a group meal, or for easily reheated leftovers in a smaller household.

The flavors make salsas and guacamole natural toppings for serving, and the level of spice can be adjusted by adding more or less cayenne.

Servings: Filling For Approx. 13 Medium Empanadas

Ingredients:

1 Yellow/Sweet Onion, finely chopped

1 Large, Or 2 Small, Russet Potatoes, peeled and diced

2 Full Sized Carrots, peeled and finely diced

3 Garlic Cloves, minced or crushed

2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 Cup Beef Broth

1 Lb Ground Beef

2 Tbsps Tomato Paste

2 Tsp Chili Powder

1/2 Tsp Cumin

1 Tsp Cayenne

Sea Salt And Black Pepper To Taste

Additionally:

2 Eggs + 1 Tbsp Cold Water For Egg Wash

Directions:

[If you are making a homemade dough, prep ahead of time, refrigerate, and bring back to room temperature accordingly.  If using a premade/frozen dough, follow package instructions for thawing.]

Finely chop the onion

Peel and dice the potatoes

Peel and finely dice the carrots

Mince the garlic (or use a garlic press)

In a large skillet, add the olive oil and then all of the above (onions, carrots, potatoes, and garlic) and start cooking on medium heat

Stir veggies often, adding in splashes of water if they are getting dry

Once the veggies have softened significantly, add in 1/2 a cup of the beef broth, then once it cooks off, add in the other 1/2 cup

If additional softening of the veggies is still needed, continue to cook with splashes of water until cooked thoroughly

Add in the ground beef, disperse, and cook evenly among the veggie mix, continuing to add splashes of water if too dry

Lower the heat

Add in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper

Taste test and adjust the spices to your taste (I recommend a lot of salt and pepper)

The final consistency should be slightly mushy (see photos) 

Remove the skillet from the heat

[From here:

Preheat the oven to the specific temperature required for your dough

Cut the dough into circular shapes

Fill the empanadas

Fold over

Seal by pressing with a fork

Brush with an egg wash if your dough requires it

Bake according to your dough instructions – For my dough it was around 30 minutes at 400º, but this is variable!]

Serve final empanadas with the salsa or guacamole (or both!) of your choice

Enjoy!

[Leftovers can be stored sealed in the refrigerator.]

Crispy Potato Wedges

Categories Recipes, Sides2 Comments on Crispy Potato Wedges

THESE CRISPY POTATO WEDGES REALLY HIT THE SPOT WHEN YOU’RE IN THE MOOD FOR A THICK-CUT FRY!

These Crispy Potato Wedges are such a quick and easy side to have on hand and always a crowd pleaser.  They pair wonderfully with meaty meals such as steak, chicken, or battered fish, but also happen to be vegan and taste great alongside veggie burgers, veggie sandwiches, or chili too.  You only need 4 basic ingredients!

The extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper really can be eyeballed and added to taste in this instance which makes this side extra easy to whip up during busy mealtimes.

The use of parchment paper dramatically eases the cleanup process, so definitely don’t skip this step!

Main Supplies Needed:

  • A Knife & Cutting Board
  • Baking Sheet/s (depending on how many potatoes!)
  • Parchment Paper

Servings: Approx. 1 Potato Per Person, Or Quantity Of Choice!

Ingredients:

  • Potatoes
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Sea Salt
  • Black Pepper

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400°

Line your baking sheet/s with parchment paper

After thoroughly cleaning the potato/s, chop each one into about 8 wedges

Very lightly coat the wedges with extra virgin olive oil and place them on the baking sheet/s

Add on sea salt and black pepper to taste

Bake for 30-40 minutes depending on how crispy you like them

[Optional – You can raise the oven temperature slightly or broil for the last couple minutes for extra crispness if you like!]

Serve the wedges while nice and warm from the oven

Enjoy!

In the mood for flavored fries? Check out the recipes for my Rosemary Parmesan Fries or my Peppered Parmesan Fries!