Hey there, food lovers! If you’re looking for a unique and mouthwatering appetizer, then these Honey-Harissa Smashed Potatoes are exactly what you need! The perfect combination of sweet honey, spicy harissa, and creamy feta will have your taste buds dancing. These potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them an irresistible snack or side dish. Plus, they’re super easy to make, and you’ll be the star of any gathering!

Method

Boil the Potatoes

Start by placing the potatoes in a large pot filled with salty water. Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes cook for around 20 minutes, or until you can easily pierce them with a fork. The potatoes should be soft but not falling apart. Once they’re cooked, drain the water and set the potatoes aside to cool for a few minutes.

Preheat Oven and Make Sauce

While the potatoes are boiling, preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). In a small bowl, prepare the honey-harissa sauce by combining the harissa paste, honey, and crushed garlic cloves. Add 1 tablespoon of water to help thin the mixture and make it easier to apply. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and well combined.

Prepare the Potatoes

Once the potatoes have cooled slightly, line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Spray the parchment paper with Frylight or any non-stick spray of your choice. This will help the potatoes crisp up as they bake. Place the potatoes on the baking tray and gently press each one down with a cup or masher to smash them. Aim for a criss-cross pattern, as this will allow the potatoes to become extra crispy when baked.

Apply Sauce

Now it’s time to brush the potatoes with the delicious honey-harissa sauce you made earlier. Use a spoon or brush to evenly coat each smashed potato with the sauce. Don’t be shy add enough sauce to infuse the potatoes with that sweet and spicy flavor! Once they’re coated, season with a little salt and pepper to taste. This step will enhance the overall flavor and help balance out the heat from the harissa.

Bake the Potatoes

Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake the potatoes for about 30 minutes. The goal is to get them golden and crispy on the outside, so make sure to keep an eye on them as they bake. The time may vary slightly depending on the size of your potatoes, so if needed, check them a bit earlier or later.

Finish and Serve

After the potatoes are baked to perfection, take them out of the oven and add any remaining honey-harissa sauce on top for extra flavor. Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the potatoes, ensuring each one gets a nice topping of creamy, tangy cheese. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and freshness. Now your Honey-Harissa Smashed Potatoes are ready to be served!

Necessary Tools

Large pot for boiling potatoes
Baking tray
Parchment paper
Frylight spray (or non-stick spray)
Cup or masher for smashing potatoes
Small bowl for mixing sauce
Spoon or brush for applying sauce

Honey Harissa Smashed Potatoes A Sweet and Spicy Treat!

Recipe by Jenner TomaskaCuisine: American, TunisianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Total time

hour

Ingredients

490g potatoes (around 1-2 golf ball size)
Salt + pepper to taste
Frylight spray (or any non-stick spray)
25g harissa paste
25g honey
2 crushed garlic cloves
30g crumbled feta
Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

Boil the Potatoes Start by boiling the potatoes in salty water for about 20 minutes, or until they are soft enough to pierce with a fork.
Preheat Oven and Make Sauce While the potatoes are boiling, preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). In a small bowl, mix the harissa paste, honey, and crushed garlic with 1 tablespoon of water to create the delicious sauce.
Prepare the Potatoes Once the potatoes are cooked, drain and let them cool for a bit. Line a baking tray with parchment paper, and spray it with some Frylight to prevent sticking.
Smash the Potatoes Place the potatoes on the baking tray and use a cup or masher to smash them, creating a criss-cross pattern. This will give them a crispier texture when they bake.
Apply Sauce Brush the honey-harissa sauce over the smashed potatoes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bake Pop the tray in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy.
Finish and Serve Once the potatoes are cooked, add any remaining sauce on top and sprinkle the crumbled feta and chopped parsley for a fresh, flavorful finish!

Notes

Potato Size Make sure your potatoes are all about the same size, so they cook evenly. If they’re too large, they might not cook all the way through.
Sauce Application If you like things spicier, feel free to add a bit more harissa paste to the sauce. Just be mindful not to overpower the honey’s sweetness!
Smashing the Potatoes Don’t go too hard on smashing the potatoes; you want them smashed, not turned into mush. A gentle press will help them crisp up nicely.

Serving Suggestions

These Honey-Harissa Smashed Potatoes are perfect for serving as a snack, appetizer, or side dish at dinner. Pair them with grilled meats, like chicken or lamb, or serve alongside a fresh salad for a light meal. You can also enjoy them with a cool, creamy dip to balance out the heat from the harissa.

Fun Fact

Did you know that harissa, a North African chili paste, is packed with antioxidants and has been used for centuries in traditional cuisines? It’s not only spicy but also provides a rich depth of flavor to any dish it’s added to!

Conclusion

These Honey-Harissa Smashed Potatoes are a fun and flavorful twist on regular smashed potatoes. The combination of sweet honey, spicy harissa, and creamy feta will definitely impress your guests or make a comforting snack for yourself. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!