Parsley potatoes are a classic, comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses-from roasted chicken to grilled steak. If you’ve ever wondered, how do I make parsley potatoes?-you’re in the right place. This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through making buttery, herby, and slightly zesty parsley potatoes that can be ready in under 30 minutes.
What Are Parsley Potatoes?
Parsley potatoes are typically boiled or lightly sautéed potatoes tossed with butter and fresh parsley. The parsley adds a fresh, vibrant flavor that brightens the dish, making it a perfect complement to rich or savory meals. Some recipes add garlic, onion, or lemon zest for extra depth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Potatoes: Baby potatoes, fingerlings, Yukon golds, or russets all work well. Baby potatoes or fingerlings are preferred for their creamy texture.
– Butter: Unsalted or salted butter, melted.
– Fresh parsley: Flat-leaf or curly parsley, finely chopped.
– Salt and pepper: To taste.
– Optional additions: Lemon zest or juice, garlic, onion, garlic powder, and onion powder for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Parsley Potatoes
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Start by washing and peeling your potatoes if needed. For baby or fingerling potatoes, simply scrub and halve or quarter them depending on size. Larger potatoes like russets should be peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces.
2. Boil the Potatoes
Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a couple of teaspoons of salt to the water to season the potatoes while they cook. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook the potatoes until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork-usually about 8 to 18 minutes depending on the potato size and type.
3. Drain and Return to Pot
Once cooked, drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot or a large bowl.
4. Add Butter and Parsley
Melt butter in a small pan or directly in the pot. Add the fresh parsley and any optional flavorings such as lemon zest or garlic. Pour the melted butter mixture over the potatoes and gently toss to coat evenly. Be careful not to break the potatoes while tossing.
5. Season and Serve
Add salt and pepper to taste. If you used salted butter, adjust the salt accordingly. Serve the parsley potatoes warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Parsley Potatoes
– Choose the right potatoes: Creamy, waxy potatoes like baby potatoes or Yukon golds hold their shape well and have a pleasant texture.
– Don’t overboil: Cook potatoes just until tender to avoid them falling apart.
– Use fresh parsley: Fresh herbs make a big difference in flavor compared to dried parsley.
– Add a touch of lemon: Lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice adds a subtle brightness that lifts the dish.
– Butter is key: Butter adds richness and helps the parsley cling to the potatoes.
– Optional garlic and onion: Adding smashed garlic cloves to melted butter or a bit of sautéed onion can deepen the flavor.
Variations to Try
– Garlic Parsley Potatoes: Melt butter with smashed garlic cloves, let it infuse, then toss with potatoes and parsley.
– Lemon Garlic Parsley Potatoes: Add both lemon zest and garlic powder for a zesty, savory twist.
– Herb Mix: Combine parsley with other fresh herbs like chives, dill, or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
– Roasted Parsley Potatoes: Instead of boiling, roast potatoes in the oven with butter, parsley, and garlic for crispy edges.
What to Serve with Parsley Potatoes?
Parsley potatoes are versatile and pair well with many dishes:
– Roasted or grilled chicken
– Pan-seared steak or pot roast
– Pork chops or ham
– Fish or seafood dishes
– Vegetable medleys or salads
They also make a great addition to holiday meals or casual weeknight dinners.
Parsley potatoes are an easy, tasty side dish that brings a fresh, buttery flavor to your plate. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can make this classic dish in under 30 minutes and elevate any meal. Enjoy!