Description
A flavorful and comforting baked feta potato dish combining crispy roasted potatoes, creamy baked feta cheese, aromatic herbs, and a touch of honey and lemon for a delightful balance of savory and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasonings
- 2 large baking potatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp red chilli flakes
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
Feta and Flavorings
- 1 200 g block of feta
- 1 head of garlic (top cut off)
- 1 lemon (halved)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup (20g) fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) to prepare it for roasting the potatoes and garlic.
- Par-boil Potatoes: Wash and cube the potatoes, placing them in a saucepan covered with water. Bring to a boil and par-boil for 6-8 minutes, then drain and steam dry for 2-3 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Season Potatoes: Transfer the potatoes to a baking dish and add thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir well to coat all pieces evenly with the seasonings.
- Prepare Garlic: Drizzle the garlic head with a little olive oil, wrap it tightly in foil, and place it in the baking dish alongside the potatoes to roast together.
- Roast Potatoes and Garlic: Roast the potatoes and wrapped garlic in the oven for 30-40 minutes until the potatoes are golden, crispy, and nearly cooked through.
- Add Feta and Lemon: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Take out the garlic and add the feta block in the center of the potatoes. Squeeze half the lemon over the feta and potatoes.
- Continue Baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes to soften and warm the feta.
- Prepare Roasted Garlic: Once cooled, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them with the flat side of a knife.
- Combine Flavors: Stir the mashed garlic and juice from the remaining lemon half into the potatoes along with fresh basil, mixing gently to incorporate the flavors with the baked feta.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle honey over the potatoes, sprinkle with red chili flakes and shredded basil as garnish. Serve warm and enjoy this savory, tangy, and slightly sweet dish.
Notes
- Par-boiling the potatoes before roasting ensures they cook evenly and get crispy on the outside.
- Wrap the garlic tightly in foil to prevent it from drying out during roasting.
- Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to your preferred spice level.
- You can substitute fresh thyme and oregano if preferred, or use Italian seasoning for a different herbal profile.
- Adding honey balances the saltiness of the feta and adds a subtle sweetness.
- This dish can be served as a side or a vegetarian main course.
