Potatoes with Rosemary and Sea Salt: A Simple, Perfect Marriage of Flavours

A great marriage is one where each person, without agenda, celebrates the unique and distinctive characteristics of the other, and lovingly helps them be the best possible version of themselves. When I see a couple who express this in their relationship, I am always moved and inspired, because they are so much more together than they could be individually. In my world I have several friends whose marriages have worked out this principle for many years, and each day they bring joy to each other and those in their sphere of influence.

In a very roundabout way, this is an introduction to the marriage of ingredients and this recipe. Tomatoes and basil, chocolate and coffee, peas and mint are ingredients that belong together, and, when paired in a recipe with love, care and a little finesse, bring out the very best in each other while still maintaining their individual and distinctive flavours. Potatoes and rosemary are another such pairing, and in this simple, simple recipe bring out the absolute best in each other.

The Beauty of Simplicity

This recipe is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients potatoes, olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper you can create a dish that is both elegant and comforting. It's the kind of side dish that elevates a simple meal, adding texture, flavour, and a touch of sophistication.

It's a perfect accompaniment to grilled meat or fish and salad. You can easily increase the quantities in this recipe to feed a crowd it really just depends on the size of your biggest baking dish and the size of your oven!

The Star of the Show

Red-skinned potatoes are ideal for this recipe. Their thin skins are delicate, their flesh is waxy, and they hold their shape beautifully when sliced and baked. They become crispy and golden around the edges, while remaining soft and tender on the inside. The red skin adds a touch of colour and a subtle earthy flavour.

Rosemary, with its pine-like fragrance and robust, savoury notes, is the perfect partner. It infuses the potatoes with its distinct aroma, creating a harmonious balance that is both familiar and comforting. When the rosemary is placed at the bottom of the dish, it releases its oils and flavours into the potatoes as they cook, ensuring that every bite carries its unmistakable essence.

Recipe: Potatoes with Rosemary and Sea Salt

Serves 4–6

Ingredients

• 8 medium-sized red-skinned potatoes

• 1 tablespoon good olive oil

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary

Method

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Slice the potatoes: Using a mandolin, slice the potatoes very thinly. A mandolin is ideal for this recipe, as it ensures uniform slices that cook evenly. If you don't have one, a sharp knife and a steady hand will work perfectly.

3. Soak and dry: Place the sliced potatoes in a medium-sized glass bowl and cover with cold water. Let them sit for about 20 minutes. This step removes excess starch, ensuring the potatoes become crispy rather than stodgy. Drain and dry them thoroughly with a clean tea towel this is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy texture.

4. Prepare the rosemary: Pick the leaves off the rosemary sprigs and place them in the base of a 20 cm round or 18 cm square dish. This enables their earthy flavour to infuse the potatoes as they cook and keeps them from burning and becoming bitter.

5. Layer and season: Stack the potato slices in the dish, quite tightly. They will shrink a little as they cook, so don't be afraid to pack them in. Drizzle with the olive oil and season well with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

6. Bake: Bake for 45–55 minutes, until the potatoes are golden and crispy around the edges. The edges should be deeply browned and deliciously crisp, while the centre remains tender and yielding.

7. Serve immediately: These potatoes are at their best straight from the oven, when the edges are at their crispiest and the rosemary fragrance is at its most intense. Serve them as a side dish to grilled meat, fish, or a fresh salad.

A Note on the Ingredients

• Olive oil: A good quality olive oil adds flavour and helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully. Use a light, fruity olive oil for the best results.

• Sea salt: Sea salt is preferred over table salt for its larger crystals and cleaner flavour. It provides a satisfying crunch and enhances the natural flavour of the potatoes.

• Fresh rosemary: Fresh rosemary is essential for this recipe. Dried rosemary doesn't have the same vibrancy and can become bitter. Use it generously, as it is the hero of this dish.

Serving Suggestions

These potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with a wide range of main courses. They are a classic accompaniment to:

• Roast chicken: The rosemary and sea salt potatoes are a natural partner to a perfectly roasted bird.

• Grilled steak: The crispy texture and herbaceous flavour cut through the richness of a steak.

• Pan-seared fish: The lightness of the potatoes complements the delicate flavour of fish.

• A simple green salad: For a lighter meal, serve these potatoes alongside a fresh, tangy salad.

Variations and Tips

• Add garlic: For an extra layer of flavour, scatter a few crushed garlic cloves over the potatoes before baking.

• Experiment with herbs: While rosemary is the classic choice, you can also experiment with other herbs like thyme or sage.

• Use different potatoes: If red-skinned potatoes aren't available, you can use any waxy potato variety, such as Yukon Gold or new potatoes.

• Make it a complete dish: Top the baked potatoes with a poached egg and a sprinkle of chives for a simple yet satisfying meal.

This recipe for potatoes with rosemary and sea salt is a celebration of simplicity and the beauty of perfectly paired ingredients. It's a dish that showcases the incredible flavours of everyday ingredients, proving that you don't need a long list of complex components to create something truly memorable.

Whether you're serving it as a side dish for a casual weeknight dinner or as part of a more elaborate feast, these potatoes are sure to impress. They are a testament to the fact that the best recipes are often the simplest and that, like any great marriage, the partnership of potatoes and rosemary is one that brings out the very best in each other.