These Easy Greek Lemon Potatoes are full of bright flavor! Tossed in olive oil, garlic, and fresh lemon juice, they’re roasted until tender and golden—simply irresistible!
Who knew potatoes could taste so zesty and yummy? I love serving them alongside grilled chicken or fish. They always make dinner feel a bit more special, don’t you think?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are great for their creamy texture. If unavailable, red potatoes or fingerling potatoes would work well too. Just choose ones that are good for roasting!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter taste, you can use regular olive oil or even avocado oil. It won’t compromise on the dish’s quality.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh is best for bold flavors! If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice could do in a pinch, but the taste won’t be as bright.
Dried Oregano: This herb is key for the Greek flavor. If you don’t have that, Italian seasoning is a good alternative, though it won’t have the same distinct taste.
How Do I Ensure My Potatoes are Tender and Flavorful?
The key to making these potatoes melt-in-your-mouth tender is the cooking method. First, covering the baking dish with foil helps steam the potatoes, ensuring they cook through before browning.
- Preheat your oven well — it helps with even cooking.
- Coat the potatoes generously in the lemon mixture. This not only adds flavor but helps them crisp up in the later baking.
- Don’t skip basting the potatoes halfway through! Use the cooking liquid to moisten them and enhance their flavor.
- For the final bake, remove the foil, allowing for nice browning and crispy edges.
These small steps will turn your dish into a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy!
Easy Greek Lemon Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 3 pounds potatoes (such as Yukon Gold or red), peeled and cut into wedges
For the Marinade:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For Cooking:
- 1 cup hot water
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Tzatziki sauce for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to cook. You’ll spend a little time chopping and mixing before letting the oven work its magic. Perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This way, it will be ready when it’s time to bake your potatoes.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large baking dish, mix together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This will be the flavorful blend that bathes your potatoes in deliciousness!
3. Coat the Potatoes:
Add the potato wedges to the baking dish and toss them well in the marinade so that they are evenly coated with that zesty mixture. Ensure each wedge is covered to maximize flavor.
4. Add the Water:
Next, pour the hot water into the baking dish—but be careful to pour it around the potatoes, not over them. This helps steam the potatoes and keep the seasoning on top.
5. Bake Covered:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 45 minutes. This steaming step helps to soften the potatoes perfectly.
6. Bake Uncovered:
After the 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Baste the potatoes with the cooking liquid to enhance their flavor. Continue baking for another 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and have golden edges.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, take the potatoes out of the oven and garnish them with freshly chopped parsley. They’re now ready to be served! Enjoy them warm with a side of tzatziki sauce or your favorite Greek yogurt dip for an extra touch of flavor.
This recipe will make a delightful side dish that is bursting with flavor. Enjoy making and sharing this classic Greek dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold and red potatoes are the best choices for their texture, but you can also use fingerling potatoes or even russet potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of potato you use.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly! It contains no animal products and is perfect for anyone following a plant-based diet. Enjoy these potatoes as a delicious, vegan side dish!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven or microwave. If they’re a bit dry, add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice when reheating to restore moisture.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or onions to the mix. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary, so cut them to similar sizes and adjust cooking times as needed to ensure even cooking.
