Description
Mary Berry’s Crushed New Potatoes are made by boiling new potatoes until tender, then lightly crushing them and tossing them with butter, fresh herbs, and a touch of seasoning. The result is a side dish that’s crispy on the outside while maintaining a soft and fluffy interior. It’s a versatile, easy-to-make dish that can accompany a wide variety of mains.
Ingredients
- New potatoes (800g / 1.75 lbs): Small new potatoes, perfect for boiling and crushing.
- Butter (50g / 3.5 tbsp): For richness and flavor.
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Adds a fresh, herby note to the dish.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): To drizzle over the potatoes for extra crispiness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Garlic (optional, 1 clove minced): Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the potatoes (optional).
Instructions
1. Boil the New Potatoes:
- Cook the potatoes: Place the new potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Drain and Crush the Potatoes:
- Drain the potatoes: Once cooked, drain the potatoes and let them sit for a minute to allow the steam to escape.
- Lightly crush the potatoes: Using a fork or potato masher, gently crush each potato until it breaks open but still holds its shape. You want a rustic, uneven texture rather than a smooth mash.
3. Add Butter and Seasoning:
- Mix with butter: Toss the crushed potatoes with butter, olive oil, and the optional minced garlic. Stir gently to coat the potatoes evenly.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle in the fresh parsley.
4. Optional Step for Extra Crispiness:
- Crisp up in the oven: For a crispy finish, transfer the crushed potatoes to a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 10-15 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy.
5. Serve:
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with extra parsley, and serve warm alongside your favorite main dish.