CRISPY SMASHED POTATOES W/ AJI VERDE SAUCE
- WineCheeseScallops
- Sep 9, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 3
Discover Your New Favorite Side Dish: Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Aji Verde Sauce
Looking for a side dish that’s guaranteed to steal the spotlight at your next meal? Our Crispy Smashed Potatoes paired with Aji Verde Sauce are just what you need! Imagine perfectly crispy potatoes, golden brown with just the right amount of crunch, topped with a zesty, creamy Peruvian green sauce that packs a flavorful punch.
This dynamic duo is the ultimate combination of textures and tastes. The potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, while the Aji Verde sauce brings a refreshing burst of flavor with its blend of cilantro, lime, garlic, and a hint of heat from jalapeños. It’s the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and spicy.
Whether you're serving these potatoes as a side to your favorite grilled meats, adding them to a salad, or simply enjoying them as a snack, this recipe is versatile enough to elevate any meal. Plus, the Aji Verde sauce is so delicious, you'll want to put it on everything!
Sponsored Ad
The Origin of Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Crispy smashed potatoes have become a beloved dish across the globe, but their origins can be traced back to several culinary traditions that value simplicity and the natural flavors of the potato. The concept of smashing potatoes before roasting them to achieve a delightful contrast between a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior likely evolved from rustic European peasant cuisine, where potatoes have long been a staple. Countries like Ireland, England, and Germany have long histories of potato cultivation and consumption, and these cultures often favored techniques that made use of every part of the crop, wasting nothing. Smashed potatoes are a natural extension of this mindset, taking advantage of the potato’s natural starches to create a dish that is both hearty and delicious.
In more recent years, the smashed potato has seen a resurgence, particularly in American and Australian kitchens, where chefs have taken the basic recipe and added their own creative twists. Whether it’s the choice of seasoning, the use of different types of potatoes, or the method of cooking, the smashed potato recipe has evolved into a versatile side dish that can be easily customized to fit any flavor profile or meal. The popularity of smashed potatoes also owes much to their straightforward preparation – a factor that makes them a favorite for home cooks and professional chefs alike.
Sponsored Ad
The Story of Aji Verde Sauce
Aji Verde, or Peruvian green sauce, hails from the rich culinary traditions of Peru. The word "aji" in Spanish refers to a variety of chili peppers that are central to Peruvian cuisine. Aji Verde sauce is a vibrant, green condiment made with cilantro, jalapeños, lime juice, garlic, mayonnaise, and a bit of cheese, typically Cotija or Parmesan. The combination of these ingredients creates a sauce that is creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy, perfectly balancing the heat of the peppers with the coolness of the cilantro and the richness of the cheese and mayonnaise.
This sauce has deep roots in Peruvian culture, where it is commonly served alongside roasted chicken, grilled meats, and vegetables. Each region and family might have their own variation, sometimes using different peppers or adding other herbs, but the core components remain the same. Aji Verde reflects the diverse influences on Peruvian cuisine, from indigenous ingredients and cooking techniques to flavors brought by Spanish colonizers and other immigrant groups over centuries. Today, Aji Verde has gained popularity outside Peru, becoming a favorite in many kitchens around the world for its versatility and unique flavor profile. Whether used as a dip, a sauce for meats, or a topping for potatoes, Aji Verde adds a delicious Peruvian twist to any dish.
Sponsored Ad
Why This Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Aji Verde Sauce Recipe Is the Best Around
Irresistible Crunch and Tenderness: The crispy smashed potatoes offer a perfect contrast between a crispy, golden exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, delivering an exceptional textural experience.
Flavor-Packed Aji Verde Sauce: The homemade Aji Verde sauce adds a vibrant burst of flavor with its combination of fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and spicy jalapeños, making each bite unforgettable.
Versatile and Adaptable: Whether you’re pairing it with grilled meats, adding it to salads, or simply enjoying it with chips, this recipe is versatile enough to complement a variety of dishes and occasions.
Easy to Make: Despite its impressive flavor and texture, this recipe is straightforward and easy to prepare, making it perfect for both everyday meals and special gatherings.
Homemade Goodness: Both the crispy smashed potatoes and the Aji Verde sauce are made from scratch, ensuring that you get the freshest ingredients and the best taste possible.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of crispy potatoes and creamy, spicy sauce is a surefire hit with family and friends, appealing to a wide range of taste preferences.
Customizable: You can adjust the heat level of the Aji Verde sauce to suit your taste, and experiment with different herbs or cheeses to make the recipe your own.
Nutrient-Rich: Potatoes are a good source of vitamins and minerals, and the fresh ingredients in the Aji Verde sauce add nutritional value along with delicious flavor.
Eye-Catching Presentation: The vibrant green Aji Verde sauce over the golden crispy potatoes makes for a visually appealing dish that’s sure to impress guests.
Leftover-Friendly: Both the potatoes and the sauce keep well, making this recipe perfect for enjoying as leftovers or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Sponsored Ad
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
1 pound small yellow potatoes
1 tsp kosher salt, divided
1 Tbs extra virgin olive oil, plus more for the pans
½ tsp paprika
⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
½ Tbs dried parsley
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
Zest and juice of half a lemon
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbs finely chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, and sage)
Instructions:
Place the potatoes and ½ teaspoon of the salt in a large pot. Fill the pot with enough water to cover the potatoes by 1 inch. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are soft and fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Liberally coat two baking sheets with olive oil.
Place each potato onto the oiled baking sheets and use the back of a measuring cup to smash them down until they’re about ¼ inch thick.
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, cayenne pepper, dried parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Drizzle or brush the mixture over the potatoes.
Roast the potatoes for 25 to 35 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp around the edges, rotating the pans halfway through.
Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.
Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce)
Ingredients:
2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
½ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup (1 ounce) grated Cotija or Parmesan cheese
1 jalapeño pepper (ribs and seeds removed) or 1 tablespoon pickled, sliced jalapeños
1 ½ cups cilantro
2 cloves garlic
Juice of 1 lime
¼ tsp salt
Instructions:
Blend all the ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth. The sauce should be smooth enough to drip off a spoon but still have a bit of texture.
Serve with grilled meats and veggies, tacos, salads, crispy potatoes, or enjoy as a dip with chips. Yum!
We’re so excited for you to try this recipe! To make it even easier, we’ve put together a list of our favorite kitchen tools that are super helpful for this recipe. By using our affiliate links below, you’ll not only be getting top-notch products but also supporting our blog, Wine Cheese Scallops. Thank you so much for your support—happy cooking!
Sponsored Ad
Comments