In this recipe, the potatoes are boiled, gently flattened in a kitchen towel, brushed with oil, and grilled. The result? Potatoes that are creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Ingredients
Makes 8 servings
Step 1
Cook potatoes in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender, about 25 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer potatoes to kitchen towel. Cool potatoes to lukewarm, about 20 minutes. Using another towel, gently press each potato until split open and flattened to scant 1-inch thickness (don't press too flat or potatoes will break apart).
Step 2
Brush large baking sheet with oil. Transfer potatoes to prepared sheet. Brush potato tops with oil; sprinkle with salt, pepper, and some rosemary leaves. DO AHEAD:Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
Step 3
Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Place potatoes, oiled side down, on grill. Brush with oil. Cook until crisp and beginning to color, about 5 minutes per side.
Step 4
Transfer to platter; sprinkle with more rosemary leaves and serve hot.
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Reviews (23)
Back to TopI love the crispiness you get from the grilling phase. But I agree with other reviewers that they need plenty of olive oil, salt and loads of fresh herbs. I used a mixture of rosemary, oregano and chives.
emckevit
Union County, NJ
8/3/2014
I do the potatoes in the microwave. Find it better to brown in large skillet with evoo, sea salt and pepper. Flip and when browning sprinkle generously with balsamic. Flip several times to caramelize evenly. Creamy,sweet,salty,smokey, vinegary potatoes. Delicious!
Anonymous
Israel
8/31/2011
Boil the potatos unpeeled, just wash and rinse very well before boiling. They will not fall apart. Potatos are fully boiled when a knife inserted comes out easily. Don't smash too hard :-) The skin gets crisp and tastes wonderful, the inside will be rich and creamy.
Anonymous
iceland
4/29/2009
We were just in Mexico with friends - they bought a bag of Yukon Gold potatoes- I made these potatoes the first night and they insisted I make them 3 more times. I cooked potatoes in microwave then let marinate in olive oil, rosemary and lots of garlic for at least an hour. Did cook on foil on the grill.
edestrat
maui
4/6/2009
I haven't made these yet, but think that baby yukon potatoes would be a better option. Also liked one comment about adding paprika and parmesan butter with a little garlic powder. It sounds from reading the other comments that one would have to be careful not to over boil the potatoes.
lulukodner
forest hill, new york
2/22/2009
I really liked these. Top grade olive oil before and after grilling. Lots of salt & pepper
cooksathome
1/11/2009
SO disappointing! I loved the concept of this recipe, followed directions exactly, and I was not able to adquately "smash" a single potato! Maybe my potatoes were too new/too old or I just don't have the magic touch. Ended up having to dice the entire lot and make Nigella's incredible roasted potatoes with semolina.
MrsCanada
Toronto, ON, CANADA
9/25/2008
I agree with most other reviewers, these were a bit bland. The idea of it is original and I'm always in search of different things to do with potatoes. I may try again with some spice added.
lrspence
Chicago
9/1/2008
Tried these tonight and was disappointed with the result. Tje outside was crispy but the potato didn't carry much flavour. We'll try it again hoping that it was just the potatoes we used.
imoger
Central New York
8/31/2008
Like other reviewers, my potatoes fell apart a bit. I wouldn't have minded that, but the overall flavor was a bit bland, and I even added crushed garlic to the tops with the oil and rosemary. Something was missing. But I must say they looked great on the table! I probably would not bother again.
sls15
8/17/2008
I loved the idea of this- but mine did not really crisp up on the grill- Next time I will use the suggestion of the reviewer who put hers in a 500 degree oven. Hopefully that will work out better for me. The recipe is simple however, and a great alternative to roasted or mashed potatoes
Anonymous
Carlsbad
8/11/2008
As an alternative to smashing the potatoes, just halve the potatoes after boiling, cool, brush with oil mixed with a pressed garlic clove, and they will come out almost exactly like the recipe--crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. You don't have to worry about them falling apart, and they won't fall through the BBQ grates. :-)
Anonymous
Encino, CA
8/3/2008
Tasted good, and good as leftovers. But smashing was a bit messy and some of the potatoes fell apart.
Anonymous
7/30/2008
This was a big hit with my family. I grilled half of the smashed potatoes one night, and saved the rest of them for a second night. Will definately make them again.
Anonymous
Pembroke, MA
7/28/2008
These are wonderful. Easy, tasty, and delicious. They are creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside.I microwave the potatoes instead of boiling them. Haven't had the troubles with the potatoes falling apart. Small potatoes work best. Try other fresh herbs on them.
OliveaS
New Hampshire
7/28/2008