Description
A deliciously savory and tangy baked feta potato dish featuring crispy par-boiled potatoes roasted with herbs, olive oil, and garlic, combined with creamy baked feta cheese, fresh basil, and a hint of honey and chili flakes for a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasonings
- 2 large baking potatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon red chilli flakes
Feta and Oil
- 1 200g block of feta
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
Other Ingredients
- 1 head of garlic (top cut off)
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup (20g) fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) to prepare for roasting the potatoes and garlic.
- Parboil Potatoes: Wash and cube the potatoes. Place them in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Parboil for 6-8 minutes (no more than 10 minutes), then drain and let them steam dry for 2-3 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Season Potatoes: Transfer the parboiled potatoes to a baking dish. Add thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss well to evenly coat all the potatoes with the seasonings and oil.
- Prepare Garlic for Roasting: Drizzle the garlic head with a little olive oil, wrap it tightly in foil, and place it in the baking dish alongside the potatoes.
- Roast Potatoes and Garlic: Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until the potatoes are golden, crispy, and nearly cooked through.
- Add Feta and Lemon: Remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully take out the roasted garlic. Place the 200g block of feta in the center of the tray, optionally dipping one side in seasonings before flipping it over for even flavor. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the feta and potatoes.
- Continue Baking: Return the dish to the oven for another 15 minutes to bake the feta until soft and slightly golden.
- Mash Roasted Garlic: Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the cloves out of their skins and mash them with the flat of a knife until smooth. Set aside.
- Mix Garlic, Lemon, and Basil: Stir the mashed roasted garlic, juice of the other half of the lemon, and fresh basil into the baked potatoes and feta gently, combining all flavors without breaking up the potatoes too much.
- Add Final Touches: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey over the dish and sprinkle with the red chili flakes for a bit of heat and sweetness.
- Serve: Serve the baked feta potatoes warm as a hearty side dish or a vegetarian main course. Enjoy the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, crispy, and aromatic flavors.
Notes
- Parboiling the potatoes before roasting ensures they become crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to your preferred spice level or omit if sensitive to heat.
- Using fresh herbs like basil adds a bright, fresh note—feel free to substitute with parsley if preferred.
- The honey balances the tanginess of the feta and lemon; you can reduce it for a less sweet dish.
- For a milder garlic flavor, use 1-2 teaspoons of mashed roasted garlic instead of the whole head.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean