What could be nicer than a huge pan of potatoes, boiled then smashed, then pan-fried with sage until crispy! I present to you, my giant Vegan Smashed Potato & Sage Rösti.
I'm writing this on semi-lockdown, staying away from people & crowds to do my bit as a good citizen to try and slow the spread of the horrible new Coronavirus. We're only 2 days into social distancing at the moment, so it's still not terrible and cabin fever hasn't set in, however, I'm starting to think what kind of foods will uplift and comfort, and truly, what is more comforting than potatoes!
We're really lucky to have a garden to step out into & get outside, so although it's early Spring & not a lot is ready to harvest right now, I can still make use of fresh herbs, like sage or rosemary which bring a fresh herbal edge that both add flavour & serve to give a lift to the senses.
I have to confess, that this isn't really a traditional Rosti, but I wasn't quite sure what else to call it? You see, rather than grating the potatoes, I've boiled them in their skins (which are the best bit!). I then smash them in a large pan & crisp them up in an unholy amount of olive oil, adding in sage, to make what is probably my favourite ever potato-based dish. (shh, don't tell the fries!)
The key to this dish is the crisping. You want a delicious crunchy under crust to go with the soft fluffy potatoes. You'll need a wide and deep frying pan with a heavy base for the best outcome. Once you've boiled your potatoes, drain them & put them back in the pot over the heat for a second to steam them off. Add olive oil to your frying pan & put it on the hob to heat up. Then (carefully!) tip in the spuds & smash them into the pan in a single layer. Then add more olive oil over the top, season, add the sage & let to sizzle until the bottom is crispy and delicious.
Vegan Smashed Potato and Sage Rösti
Equipment
Ingredients Note:
For accuracy, I measure all ingredients in metric as standard, then convert and test the recipe for American cup measurements etc.
(Heads up Aussie and UK readers- your measurements in cups are sometimes different, so please use metric or check you have the correct cup and spoon type!!)
Ingredients
- 600 g medium floury potatoes (such as Maris Piper)
- 5-8 tablespoon olive oil (you might use more or less!)
- 15 leaves fresh sage
- salt & pepper
Instructions
- Cut any large potatoes in half, then boil or steam the potatoes until tender, around 15 mins
- Drain the potatoes & return to the pan. Put back on the hob for a minute or two to steam off any excess water.
- In your large & deep frying pan, add half the olive oil & put on the stove hob to heat up.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the potatoes.
- Use a potato masher to gently crush the potatoes. You want them to all sort of squish into each other.
- Drizzle over the rest of the oil & add the sage leaves.
- Season with salt & pepper to taste.
- Let the potatoes sizzle on a low-medium heat, occasionally squishing them down a little more.
- The potatoes should be ready in around 10 minutes. The longer you leave them, the better the crust, but beware not to burn!
- Serve as part of a roast dinner or with some lentil loaf! Also amazing with some gravy!
Nutrition
Love potatoes? Why not try our cheaty Patatas Bravas!
