I remember the first time I tasted Jamie Oliver’s crushed new potatoes with garlic. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and I was trying to make something comforting yet simple. I had a bunch of small, fresh potatoes that needed using, and when I stumbled upon Jamie’s recipe, I thought, "This is it." Little did I know how transformative those humble potatoes would become with just a few ingredients. The garlic, the olive oil, and the seasoning-simple yet rich. The moment I took that first bite, I realized I was never going back to regular boiled potatoes again. This recipe was going to be in my repertoire forever.
This dish is the perfect balance between rustic and elegant, with a texture that’s somewhere between mashed and roasted potatoes. Whether you’re having it as a side or enjoying it on its own, it’s a recipe that never disappoints.
Jamie Oliver’s Crushed New Potatoes With Garlic Recipe
Jamie Oliver is known for his ability to take basic ingredients and turn them into something extraordinary. His crushed new potatoes with garlic is a prime example. It’s an easy yet mouthwatering recipe that packs a lot of flavor with minimal effort.
I’ve made this dish countless times, and what I love most about it is how forgiving it is. The crushed potatoes are tender and fluffy on the inside, while the outside crisps up beautifully. The garlic adds a punch of flavor, and the fresh herbs finish everything off perfectly.
It’s a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dish that makes any meal feel special.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- New Potatoes (or baby potatoes) – Small, waxy potatoes work best. They hold their shape after boiling and give that perfect texture when crushed.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves, smashed or minced. The more, the merrier, in my opinion.
- Olive Oil – A good extra virgin olive oil will add richness to the dish.
- Fresh Rosemary or Thyme – Either herb works well. Rosemary gives a woody, aromatic flavor, while thyme offers a lighter, lemony note.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper – To taste. Always season generously.
- Butter – Optional, but it adds a beautiful creamy texture when mixed with the potatoes.
- Lemon Zest (Optional) – A sprinkle of zest to cut through the richness and brighten the dish.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Crushed New Potatoes With Garlic
Making this dish is as easy as it is delicious. Here’s how I do it:
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Boil The Potatoes
- Place the new potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15-20 minutes until they’re tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain the potatoes and let them sit for a few minutes to dry out a bit.
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Crush The Potatoes
- Using the back of a spoon or a potato masher, gently crush the potatoes. You want them to break open but not turn into mashed potatoes.
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Cook The Garlic And Herbs
- In a large frying pan, heat a generous splash of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and fresh rosemary or thyme. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. You don’t want the garlic to burn, just release its lovely aroma.
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Fry The Crushed Potatoes
- Add the crushed potatoes to the pan and toss them around so they’re coated with the garlic and oil. Fry for 5-7 minutes until the potatoes get crispy on the edges.
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Season & Serve
- Sprinkle with sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a little lemon zest if you like. Finish with a dollop of butter if you want extra richness.
The smell? Unbelievable. Your kitchen will smell like heaven while these cook. The crispy golden edges are everything.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
- New Potatoes: These potatoes have a lower starch content than other types, which means they hold their shape better after cooking. Their waxy texture is perfect for this dish, as it allows them to get crispy on the outside while staying tender inside when you crush them.
- Garlic: The sulfur compounds in garlic-especially allicin-give it that robust flavor. When you cook it, garlic softens and mellows out, which makes it perfect for pairing with the potatoes.
- Olive Oil: The monounsaturated fats in olive oil make it heart-healthy, while its rich flavor complements the potatoes and garlic perfectly. A good extra virgin olive oil is full of antioxidants, making it not only delicious but nutritious.
- Herbs: Rosemary and thyme are both aromatic herbs that have oils in them which release their fragrance when cooked. These oils are rich in antioxidants, which means the herbs add flavor and health benefits to the dish.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcook the potatoes: You want them tender, but not falling apart. Check for doneness by inserting a fork. It should easily go through, but the potatoes should still hold their shape when you crush them.
- Use a mix of butter and olive oil: If you want the best of both worlds, fry the potatoes with olive oil, then stir in a little butter at the end for extra richness and flavor.
- Rest the potatoes after boiling: Let the potatoes rest after draining to allow them to dry out a bit. This helps them get crispier when frying.
- Don’t skimp on garlic: The more garlic, the better! Don’t be afraid to pile it on-garlic is the heart and soul of this dish.
- Play with textures: If you want a slightly different texture, try boiling the potatoes in their skins, then crushing them with your hands after they cool slightly.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan Option: Skip the butter and use more olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute for a completely vegan version.
- Cheesy Crushed Potatoes: After the potatoes are fried, sprinkle over some freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese for a salty, umami-packed twist.
- Spicy Garlic: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the oil along with the garlic for some heat.
- Smoked Paprika: For an earthy, smoky flavor, toss the potatoes with a little smoked paprika after frying.
Final Words
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy to make, yet incredibly satisfying, Jamie Oliver’s crushed new potatoes with garlic is the way to go. It’s all about simple ingredients, but when combined in the right way, they create something special. The key to success is in the technique-crushing the potatoes and frying them just enough so the outside crisps up while the inside remains soft.
This recipe is versatile, comforting, and guaranteed to impress anyone sitting at your dinner table. I can’t count the number of times I’ve served it to friends or family, and it’s always met with compliments.
FAQs
How Long Do You Boil New Potatoes For In Jamie Oliver’s Crushed Potato Recipe?
Boil the new potatoes for about 10-12 minutes or until tender but not falling apart.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Potato For Jamie Oliver’s Recipe?
Yes, you can use other waxy potatoes but new potatoes work best for the texture.
How Do You Get The Perfect Crispy Edges When Making These Crushed Potatoes?
After crushing the potatoes, fry them in a hot pan with olive oil and garlic until crispy and golden.