Rosemary potatoes are potatoes that are typically diced; coated with olive oil; seasoned with rosemary; and then baked, fried, or grilled. They may be mashed as well. The dish offers many healthful benefits, especially if the vitamin-packed skin is left on the potatoes instead of being peeled away. In addition, the rosemary itself is also high in vitamins and minerals, such as B6, iron, and calcium. There are many variations to plain rosemary potatoes, such as adding other vegetables or spices, thereby changing the flavor and texture of this side dish.
Regardless of the method of cooking, the steps taken to prepare rosemary potatoes are generally the same. The potatoes are typically scrubbed, removing any dirt or debris from the skin. After they have been washed with water, they are usually cut into approximately 1-inch (2.54-cm) pieces or smaller. At that time, they can be soaked in a bowl of cold water — soaking the potatoes allows them to become crisper when they are cooked.
The most basic recipes for rosemary potatoes simply coat red, russet, sweet, or fingerling potatoes with olive oil and dried or fresh rosemary. In some cases, other spices, such as garlic, salt, and pepper, may be added. At that time, they can be roasted in an oven, fried on a stove, or grilled. If grilled, the potatoes may even be skewered on a fresh rosemary twig. Typically, the potatoes should be soft on the inside and crisp on the outside after cooking.
There are recipes for mashed rosemary potatoes as well. Typically, a person will prepare the potatoes in the same way as they would plain mashed potatoes. They can boil the potatoes, microwave them, or use a slow cooker until the potatoes become soft. When the potatoes are ready for mashing, the cook will typically add milk, butter, rosemary, salt, and pepper. They then will mash them until they reach the desired consistency.
There are countless variations that can be used when making rosemary potatoes. For example, other vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli, can be cooked along with the potatoes. Other spices, such as curry powder, paprika, or even a Cajun seasoning, can be used along with the rosemary to give it a different flavor.
With the skin on, most potatoes are high in vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron. They also contain significant amounts of fiber. Sweet potatoes, with their bright orange flesh, are high in beta carotene as well. When mixed with the vitamins and minerals found in rosemary, including vitamin B6, calcium, and iron, this side dish can be quite a nutritious option.
