Kartupeli with Fresh Herbs

This delightful dish of baked potatoes with fresh herbs is a simple yet flavorful meal that's perfect for any occasion. With minimal ingredients, it's an easy recipe that emphasizes the natural taste of potatoes, enhanced by the rich flavor of butter and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. The process ensures that the potatoes are soft on the inside while maintaining a slight crispness on the outside. Baking them wrapped in foil keeps them moist and allows the butter and herbs to infuse deeply into each potato. The addition of olive oil helps in achieving a beautiful golden hue. This dish is versatile and can be served as a main or side dish. It's a wonderful vegetarian option that's satisfying and hearty. Plus, it's a budget-friendly recipe that's quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or effortless dinner parties. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe promises delicious results every time.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

10 large potatoes
50 g butter

Spices and Sauces

Olive oil for brushing
Salt
Fresh herbs (chopped)

Preparation Time

Total time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation: Begin by thoroughly washing the potatoes with their skins on. This ensures that all dirt is removed.
Cooking: Place the potatoes in a pot of water and bring to a boil. Boil them until they are almost fully cooked.
Drain and Cool: Once boiled, drain the water and allow the potatoes to cool slightly until they are safe to handle.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
Olive Oil Brushing: Brush each potato with olive oil. This helps them achieve a nice golden-brown exterior.
Seasoning: Sprinkle a bit of salt over each potato to enhance their flavor.
Wrapping: Wrap each potato individually in foil. This traps steam and results in tender potatoes.
Baking: Place the wrapped potatoes in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes.
Cooling: After baking, remove the potatoes from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes, still wrapped in foil.
Opening: Carefully open the foil wraps; watch out for the hot steam.
Butter and Herbs: Make a shallow cut in each potato without cutting them completely through.
Add Butter: Insert a small pat of butter into each cut to melt over the potato.
Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs over the buttered potatoes for added flavor.
Final Seasoning: Add a touch more salt if necessary.
Optional Flavors: For additional flavor, you might add a dash of pepper or your favorite spice blend.
Serving: Serve hot as a main or side dish alongside your favorite meal.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving again.
Presentation: Consider setting the potatoes on a bed of fresh greens for a beautiful presentation.
Enjoy: Enjoy your meal, savoring the delicious combination of buttery, herby goodness!

Tips

Use waxy potatoes for a creamier texture.
Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme for varied flavors.
If you prefer a crispy skin, bake an additional 5 minutes without foil.

Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 250 per potato
Protein: 5 g
Fats: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g

Variations

For a vegan version, replace butter with a vegan margarine or omit entirely.
Add cheese for a richer flavor, melting it during the baking step.
For a spicy kick, sprinkle chili flakes along with the herbs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a fresh salad for a light meal.
Pair with grilled chicken or fish for added protein.
Garnish with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Best Places

While you can make this delicious dish at home, you can also find similar recipes in some of the best places around the world for a delightful experience.

The Potato House - Known for its extensive potato recipes. Location: 123 Spud Lane, Boise, USA.
Herb & Root - Specializes in earthy vegetable dishes. Location: 456 Green Rd, Melbourne, Australia.
Gourmet Greens - Offers a contemporary twist on classic potato dishes. Location: 789 Maple St, Toronto, Canada.
Pomme de Terre - Famous for its herb-infused potato dishes. Location: 101 Rue de Jardins, Paris, France.
The Green Fork - A leader in farm-to-table cuisine. Location: 202 Olive Oil Ave, Lisbon, Portugal.
Root & Crown - Known for their rustic and hearty meals. Location: 303 Herb Blvd, Dublin, Ireland.
Spud & Co - Offers a variety of baked potato delights. Location: 404 Potato Rd, London, UK.
Purely Potatoes - One of the best places for potato-centric dishes. Location: 505 Earthy Way, Zurich, Switzerland.
Green Table - Combines traditional flavors with a modern twist. Location: 606 Herb Hwy, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Roots & Shoots - Celebrated for their creative culinary offerings. Location: 707 Garden St, Cape Town, South Africa.