Description
A deliciously comforting recipe featuring golden roasted potatoes baked with creamy feta cheese, fragrant herbs, roasted garlic, lemon, honey, and fresh basil for an irresistible flavor combination. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a vegetarian main.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Herbs
- 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
Cheese and Aromatics
- 1 200g block of feta
- 1 head of garlic (top cut off)
- 1 lemon, halved
Oils and Sweetener
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
Fresh Herbs
- 1/4 cup | 20g fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) to prepare for roasting the potatoes and garlic.
- Par-boil Potatoes: Wash and cube the potatoes. Place them in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Par-boil for 6-8 minutes, no more than 10, then drain and steam dry for 2-3 minutes to ensure they are partially cooked and ready for roasting.
- Season Potatoes: Transfer the par-boiled potatoes to a baking dish. Add dried thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir well to coat the potatoes evenly with the herbs and oil.
- Prepare Garlic: Drizzle the garlic head with a little olive oil, then wrap it in foil and place it in the baking dish alongside the potatoes to roast together.
- Roast Potatoes and Garlic: Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes until the potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside, and almost fully cooked.
- Add Feta and Lemon: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Take out the garlic wrapped in foil. Place the block of feta in the center of the baking dish, dipping one side in the seasoning and then flipping it over. Squeeze half the lemon over the dish.
- Continue Baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes to soften the feta and infuse flavors.
- Prepare Roasted Garlic: Once cooled, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and mash using the flat side of a knife to create a smooth garlic paste.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir the mashed roasted garlic (use whole head or 1-2 teaspoons for milder flavor), the juice of the remaining lemon half, and fresh basil into the baked potatoes and feta gently, combining all flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle honey over the dish and sprinkle with fresh shredded basil and red chili flakes for a touch of heat. Serve warm and enjoy this vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Notes
- Par-boiling the potatoes before roasting ensures they cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior.
- Adjust red chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh basil as a finishing herb for freshness and aroma.
- Honey adds a subtle sweetness that balances the flavors; you can omit if preferred.
- Roasted garlic can be adjusted for intensity—use less if you prefer a milder garlic taste.
