This is Seasoned Whispers, cooking & food with a pinch of humour and a dash of experience. We are going to tackle a family favourite this time- Parmesan Potato Wedges. It is an easy, yet delicious, meal that you can enjoy on a cosy night in or a friend-giving dinner. Let’s unlock the power of these ingredients and make a dish that will make your taste buds ring!
Recipe Overview:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Tools: Baking sheet, knife, cutting board.
- Planning ahead: You can cut the potatoes ahead of time and freeze in cold water so they don’t brown. Just dry them off before baking.
- Storage: These potato wedges are best when straight out of the oven, but any unused can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Key Ingredients:
- 3 large russet potatoes cut into wedges: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe as they are fluffy baked with a crispy skin. You can substitute Yukon Gold potatoes too.
- 4 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil adds fat and makes the potatoes bake more crisp. Alternate with avocado oil or softened butter.
- 12 cup parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese lends the potato wedges a salty, nutty note. You can also substitute Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese for another variation.
- Salt, as desired: Salt intensifies the flavors of the potatoes and cheese. You can also use other seasonings such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, or dried herbs for an extra kick.
Recipe Tips & Techniques:
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) with a parchment-paper lined baking sheet.
- Soak the potato wedges in olive oil, salt and additional seasonings until coated.
- Layer the wedges in one layer on the baking sheet and cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
- Sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the hot potato wedges and return to the oven for a few minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Parmesan Potato Wedges: Serve the Parmesan Potato Wedges hot with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side to your entree.
Serving & Presentation:
For a more rustic effect, offer the Parmesan Potato Wedges in a wooden bowl lined with parchment paper. Add fresh parsley or chives for a garnish. These wedges are great served with a little spicy marinara sauce or sweet garlic aioli. The beverage choice should be a refreshing beer or chilled glass of white wine to balance out the cheese.
Cultural Context:
Potato wedges are a popular side in all cultures, from American restaurants to European bistros. Although the traditional recipe only contains salt and pepper, in more contemporary renditions many spices and cheeses have been added to add a different flavour. Using different herbs and cheeses will allow you to do your own interpretation of this classic dish.
Nutrition & Health:
Parmesan Potato Wedges may not be the healthiest option but they are a tasty treat for special occasions. Potatoes provide potassium and vitamin C, and olive oil is high in heart healthy monounsaturated fat. These potato wedges can be enjoyed sparingly in a balanced diet.
Overall, Parmesan Potato Wedges are an easy to serve, hearty entree which enacts the simple potato and the powerful flavor of parmesan. You can either throw a party or you just want something warm and hearty with these crisp, cheese-laden wedges. So, go ahead and stock up and be ready to eat this old-school recipe. Bon appétit!