Mary Berry Parmentier Potatoes is a classic French-inspired dish, perfect for any meal. These cubed and roasted potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and flavored with garlic and fresh herbs. Whether served with roast meats or as a delicious side dish, this recipe is simple yet full of flavor, and it’s ready in just about 40 minutes.
What are Mary Berry Parmentier Potatoes?
Parmentier Potatoes are small diced potatoes tossed in olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then roasted until golden and crispy. The dish is named after Antoine-Augustin Parmentier, a Frenchman who promoted the use of potatoes in cuisine. This version follows Mary Berry’s traditional approach, making it an excellent side to any main course.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Simple ingredients: It only requires basic pantry staples and fresh herbs.
- Quick to prepare: Ready in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Can be served with a wide range of mains, from roast chicken to grilled fish.
- Family-friendly: Crispy, flavorful potatoes are a hit with all ages.
- Healthy: Uses olive oil and fresh herbs, making it a lighter, healthier side option.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for dinner parties or large gatherings.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Parmentier Potatoes
- Potatoes (800g, diced into 1 cm cubes): Waxy or all-purpose potatoes work best for a creamy inside and crispy outside.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Helps the potatoes become golden and crispy.
- Garlic cloves (2-3, minced): Adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish.
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (1 tablespoon, chopped): Earthy herbs that pair perfectly with roasted potatoes.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Enhances the flavors of the potatoes and herbs.
Equipment
- Baking tray for roasting
- Sharp knife for dicing the potatoes
- Mixing bowl for tossing ingredients
- Spatula for turning the potatoes
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Mary Berry Parmentier Potatoes
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into 1 cm cubes for even roasting.
- Mix ingredients: In a mixing bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped herbs. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Spread on a baking tray: Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on a baking tray, ensuring they are evenly spread out to promote even roasting.
- Roast the potatoes: Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for 30-35 minutes, turning the potatoes halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot: Once roasted, remove the potatoes from the oven and serve immediately as a side dish.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Parmentier Potatoes
- Roast chicken: The crispy potatoes pair perfectly with succulent roast chicken.
- Grilled salmon: The freshness of fish complements the rich, garlicky potatoes.
- Lamb chops: Earthy flavors of lamb match well with the herb-infused potatoes.
- Steamed vegetables: Serve alongside green beans or broccoli for a healthy, balanced meal.
- Beef steak: A hearty steak and crispy Parmentier potatoes make for a satisfying dinner.
- Vegetarian dishes: These potatoes are a great side for vegetarian mains like stuffed peppers or vegetable casseroles.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Parmentier Potatoes
- Use waxy potatoes: They hold their shape better and offer a creamier texture inside.
- Ensure even cooking: Cut the potatoes evenly to make sure they roast uniformly.
- Don’t overcrowd the tray: Spread the potatoes out to allow maximum crispiness.
- Turn halfway: Flipping the potatoes halfway through ensures they cook evenly on all sides.
- Add garlic towards the end: If you prefer a less intense garlic flavor, add it in the last 10 minutes of roasting.
- Finish with herbs: Add fresh herbs just before serving for a more vibrant flavor.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Parmentier Potatoes
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of chili flakes or paprika for a kick.
- Cheesy option: Sprinkle grated parmesan over the potatoes for a cheesy, golden finish.
- Lemon zest: Add a bit of lemon zest for a fresh, citrusy twist.
- Herb mix: Use a combination of herbs like parsley, oregano, and thyme for more depth of flavor.
- Smoked flavor: Toss the potatoes with a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky taste.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Parmentier Potatoes
- Refrigeration: Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the fully cooked potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat once: To maintain the crispy texture, reheat the potatoes only once before serving.
Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Parmentier Potatoes
- Oven method: Reheat the potatoes in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Stovetop method: Use a non-stick pan over medium heat to reheat, tossing occasionally until heated through.
- Microwave method: Use short intervals in the microwave, though the potatoes may lose their crispiness.
How Can I Make Mary Berry Parmentier Potatoes Healthier?
- Reduce oil: Cut back on the olive oil to lower the calorie content without sacrificing too much flavor.
- Add vegetables: Toss in diced vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to increase the nutrient content.
- Use spray oil: Using an oil spray can help evenly coat the potatoes while using less oil overall.
- Try sweet potatoes: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a boost of vitamins and a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Roast at a lower temperature: Slow roasting can help retain more nutrients in the potatoes.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
FAQs
Can I prepare Mary Berry Parmentier Potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can prepare these potatoes in advance. Dice and parboil the potatoes, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, toss them in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before roasting.
How do I keep Parmentier Potatoes crispy after cooking?
To keep the potatoes crispy, avoid covering them while they cool. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) to restore crispiness, rather than using a microwave, which can make them soggy.
Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use different potatoes, but waxy varieties like baby potatoes or Yukon Golds work best for their ability to hold their shape and deliver a creamy interior with a crispy exterior.
What can I serve with Mary Berry Parmentier Potatoes?
These potatoes pair well with a variety of dishes such as roast chicken, grilled fish, beef steak, or even vegetarian dishes like stuffed peppers. They are versatile and complement both meat and veggie mains.
Final Words
Mary Berry Parmentier Potatoes is a timeless recipe that elevates the humble potato into a crispy, flavorful side dish. It’s easy to make and versatile enough to serve with any main course. Try it out today for a delicious addition to your meal!
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Mary Berry Parmentier Potatoes
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 35
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: French
Description
Parmentier Potatoes are small diced potatoes tossed in olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then roasted until golden and crispy. The dish is named after Antoine-Augustin Parmentier, a Frenchman who promoted the use of potatoes in cuisine. This version follows Mary Berry’s traditional approach, making it an excellent side to any main course.
Ingredients
- Potatoes (800g, diced into 1 cm cubes): Waxy or all-purpose potatoes work best for a creamy inside and crispy outside.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Helps the potatoes become golden and crispy.
- Garlic cloves (2-3, minced): Adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish.
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (1 tablespoon, chopped): Earthy herbs that pair perfectly with roasted potatoes.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Enhances the flavors of the potatoes and herbs.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel and dice the potatoes into 1 cm cubes for even roasting.
- Mix ingredients: In a mixing bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped herbs. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Spread on a baking tray: Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on a baking tray, ensuring they are evenly spread out to promote even roasting.
- Roast the potatoes: Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for 30-35 minutes, turning the potatoes halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot: Once roasted, remove the potatoes from the oven and serve immediately as a side dish.
