Hasselback Potatoes: Garlic and Rosemary-Infused Delight

Hasselback Potatoes are an impressive and delicious way to enjoy crispy, tender potatoes. Infused with garlic and rosemary, these perfectly sliced potatoes are roasted to golden perfection, giving you the best of both worlds – crispy edges and a fluffy, soft center. This dish makes for an excellent side to any meal, with a simple yet elegant presentation.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

4 medium-sized potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 tablespoon dried rosemary)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
1/2 cup vegan butter (optional for extra richness)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the Potatoes:

Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly, then pat them dry.
Place the potato on a cutting board and carefully slice it thinly, about 1/8-inch apart, making sure not to cut all the way through. You want the slices to remain connected at the bottom. A great trick is to place the potato between two chopsticks or spoons to prevent cutting all the way through.

3. Infuse the Oil:

In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and rosemary (if using fresh rosemary, chop it finely), and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Remove the pan from the heat.

4. Season the Potatoes:

Place the sliced potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Drizzle the garlic and rosemary-infused oil evenly over the potatoes, ensuring it gets between the slices. Use a brush or spoon to make sure the oil gets into all the crevices.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Roast:

Place the potatoes in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and the insides are soft. Check halfway through and baste with the oil and garlic mixture to keep them moist.

6. Optional Step for Extra Richness:

For an extra indulgent touch, melt vegan butter and drizzle it over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of roasting.

7. Garnish and Serve:

Once roasted to golden perfection, remove the potatoes from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Serve immediately as a side dish with your favorite main course.

Tips:

Choose the Right Potatoes: For best results, go with waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds, as they hold their shape well during baking and produce a creamy texture.
Add Toppings: Once baked, you can add toppings like vegan sour cream, chives, or even a sprinkle of vegan cheese for extra flavor.
Variations: Switch up the herbs to customize your flavor – thyme, oregano, or even sage can work beautifully in place of rosemary.

These Hasselback Potatoes are guaranteed to impress guests or make any meal feel extra special. The garlic and rosemary infuse the potatoes with flavor, while the slicing technique ensures crispy edges and a fluffy interior. It’s an easy and gorgeous dish that’s perfect for any occasion!