Crash Hot Potatoes

Posted by Ree

Man, do I love Australia. First, my oldest daughter was conceived there on our honeymoon…and while we’re on the subject, have I ever shared with you that we almost named her “Sydney” as a nod to her point of origin? In the end, I chickened out, though—I thought that might be a little corny, and truth be told, I think she was actually conceived in Brisbane. But I’ll stop there. This is a family-friendly website.

Anyway, I just love Australia. I just tried this side dish last night—it was sent to me by Trish, an Aussie friend/reader, a few weeks ago—and I wound up absolutely loving it. Created by Australian food writer Jill Dupleix, it’s called “Crash Hot Potatoes” and has soared to the top of my Favorite Side Dishes to Serve With Big Ol’ Hunks of Beef.

They’re so simple, it’s terrifying. Well, not terrifying…but almost. They’re a lovely twist on the tired old baked potato, and they perfectly embody a quality I always strive to achieve in my cooking: Flavorful, Crispy Surface Area. I’ll go into that principle more in a separate post, but just know I’ll be pontificating about Flavorful, Crispy Surface Area soon. And I’ll make you a believer.

For now, though, let’s take a chill pill and make Crash Hot Potatoes! Thanks, Trish from Australia, for sharing it.

The Cast of Characters: New Potatoes (or other small, round potato), Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, and whatever herb you like. I’m using Rosemary.

Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil.

Add in as many potatoes as you wish to make, and cook them until they’re fork-tender. And yes, I realize my pot is a little full, but listen: my boys filled my large dutch oven with a combination of dog food, potting soil, and gravel yesterday, and then they placed it on top of our garage. I have to learn to make do around here.

Oh! And I’d like to officially announce that as a result of my boys’ repeated attempts to dig to China, I no longer have any spoons in my kitchen. You heard me. Send spoons ASAP, please. We have cereal to eat.

Next, generously drizzle olive oil on a sheet pan.

This will mean the difference between the potatoes sticking and not sticking, so don’t be shy here.

When the potatoes are tender, place them on the cookie sheet…

…Giving them plenty of room to spread out.

Next, grab your potato masher and gently press down on the potato until it slightly mashes…

Then rotate the masher 90 degrees and finish flattening it. Of course, you don’t want to absolutely smash it into the pan—you want it almost to resemble a cookie.

Repeat until all are flattened. And really, I don’t know why you couldn’t use the bottom of a glass for this step if you don’t have a potato masher. The surface might not be as textured and interesting, but I think it still might work.

Next, brush the tops rather generously with olive oil.

And if you could please use a pastry brush that looks as bad as, or worse than, this, that would be great. I’ll sleep better tonight.

Look, I USE the stuff in my kitchen. I can’t be bothered with making sure it’s polished and perfect.

*Here endeth the rationalization.

Next, grab some Kosher salt. You can use regular salt, but I’d really recommend using kosher. It adheres to the potatoes more easily and really flavors them nicely without getting too salty.

Or something.

Remember: potatoes need salt. Don’t skimp!

Be ye ever as generous with fresh ground black pepper.

Now, you can grab some chives…or thyme…or whatever herbs you have available. I had this in my garden—the same garden that’s been pummeled by hail, wind, and rain for the past month. Let’s observe a moment of silence for all gardens in Middle America.

Whatever herb you use, just chop it pretty finely and sprinkle over the top.

That’s it!

Now throw them onto the top rack of a very hot (450-degree) oven, and cook them for 20-25 minutes…

…Or until they’re golden and crispy and sizzling.

Mmmm. Just look at these babies.

They almost look like latkes, don’t they? But only almost…

I was making steak for dinner last night, so I thought these would be just the ticket. That there thing on the left there is an iceberg wedge. In a moment it will be drizzled with homemade ranch dressing.

Marlboro Man has very simple wants.

Okay, by now I’ve already eaten two potatoes—I just picked ‘em up and ate ‘em with my fingers. And they are…DELICIOUS. The perfect combination of crispy, flavorful, and simple.

Oh, and Australia? I love you. Thanks for allowing my oldest daughter to be conceived in your fine country. I really like that kid.

And I really like these potatoes.

Recipe