Buttery Garlic Parsley Potatoes

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I first tasted parsley potatoes years ago when a dear friend was instructing Busy Baker in French cooking.  Since the dish was simple and delicious, it became the favorite side dish to serve with the evening's main course.

Try as I might, I couldn't find the recipe we used, but the one I devised is fragrant, buttery, and lip smacking good!  This recipe is so easy, you will want to add this recipe to your family's side dish repertoire.

Jump to:

• Questions
• How to Make
• Variations
• Pro Tips
• Recommended Tools
• Recipe

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Questions

What potatoes are best for boiling?

Low starch are best; think red, white, or waxy.  These kinds tend to hold their shape the best when boiled, so they are good for tossing with browned butter or potato salad.

What is the difference between white and red?

• Red have a firmer texture when cooked and have red skin.  They're great for boiling.
• White have a creamier texture when cooked and are best for frying and grilling.

Should they be peeled or not peeled before boiling?

This depends on what recipe you are making.  For our buttery garlic parsley potato recipe, I decided to peel one strip around the middle away and leave the rest of the red skin in tact. This way the peeled part can soak up the garlic and butter better.

If you leave the skin on, it will help hold more vitamins and nutrients, so if you're health conscious, you might want to leave some of the skin on.  Red ones have a very thin skin, which is pleasant to eat.

Can you eat ones that have turned brown?

Yes, you can.  They just don't look as pretty.  To prevent them from oxidizing, submerge the peeled potatoes in water if you're not cooking them right away.  You can let them sit in water for up to 24 hours as long as they are refrigerated.

How can you tell when boiled potatoes are done?

The best way to tell is to poke them with the tongs of a fork, a skewer, or a knife.  If the fork is easily inserted, they are cooked all the way through.

How many calories?

A serving of three contain 462 calories.  For the complete nutrition facts, please scroll down to the bottom of the recipe card.

What do you eat with this side dish?

This recipe is one of those side dishes that go with almost any main course, so it's a good recipe to have in your back pocket. 

• Steak
• Chicken
• Pork
• Fish
• Fried eggs

What do you do with leftovers?

If you don't like leftovers, you can re-purpose this vegetable by:

• Cutting them in quarters and pan frying them along side a fried egg for breakfast.
• Covering them with milk and cooking them slowly to make a simple potato soup.
• Smash them and make casual version of potato salad.

Can you make this ahead of time?

If you are planning on making them ahead of time, you have some options.

• If you want to make the complete recipe, do it a couple of hours before serving and reheat in the microwave.
• If you want to start the night before, boil, cool, cover and refrigerate, then finish with the garlic browned butter the next day.

Can you freeze this recipe?

Yes, if you have leftovers and want to freeze them, go right ahead.  Make sure they have cooled to room temperature and are stored in an air tight container or freezer zip top bag.  They can keep for up to 6 months; just label the container and put the date on it.  Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or pan fry them with a bit of butter.

How to Make

Gather all the ingredients: red potatoes, butter, fresh parsley, garlic, and spices.

Carefully remove a strip of peel from the middle of each red potato.  Keep the peels for roasting.

Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water.  Cover and bring the water to a boil over medium high heat.  When the water starts to boil, add the salt.

While they are cooking, mince the garlic.

Then, chop up the fresh parsley.

Drizzle the leftover potato peels with olive oil and sprinkle with seasonings, then roast at 400 F for 10 minutes.  Feel free to snack on the peels while you cook.

They are done when they are fork tender.  Drain in a colander and let them sit so the peels stay on.

To make the browned butter, melt the butter over medium low heat in a small saucepan.  Swirl the butter and constantly stir to prevent burning.  The butter will turn a golden brown color and will have a nutty aroma when it's done.  Remove from the heat and pour into a small bowl.

Continue stirring to help the butter to cool off.

In the same saucepan, melt some more butter over medium high heat.  Add the garlic and stir until fragrant, about a minute.

Pour the browned butter over the boiled potatoes.

Sprinkle on the fresh parsley.

Add the sautéed garlic to the potatoes.

Sprinkle on some salt and black pepper to taste.

Gently toss them with your hands and place in a serving bowl.  Enjoy!

Variations

• Don't want to use fresh parsley?  Try chives, fresh dill, or fresh oregano.
• Can't use butter?  Try duck fat or ghee.
• Want a variation?  Try adding 1 tablespoon of lemon peel or 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to dish at the end.

Pro Tips

• Don't overcook.  Test  every 5 minutes when boiling.
• Cover with cold water, then bring the pot to a boil.
• Potatoes can oxidize when peeled, so cover them in water and place in the fridge until ready to cook.
• Always add salt to the water, but wait until the water is boiling so the salt doesn't pit the pot.

Recommended Tools

• Emeril Lagasse Dutch Oven: we love using this heavy-bottomed pot for boiling vegetables.
• Emeril Lagasse 1-Quart Saucepan: this mini pot is the perfect size for browning butter.
• Cusinart 15-Piece Knife Set: this versatile set of knives has served us well for years!
• OXO Wooden Turner: this sturdy wooden spoon is great for stirring food quickly and easily.
• Stainless Steel Colander: draining vegetables or pasta is a breeze in this large colander.

Searching for more delicious potato sides?  Your family will love these ones!

• Melting Potatoes Recipe
• Duchess Potatoes
• Mashed Potatoes

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