Roasted Potatoes with Green Peas and Garlic

Roasted potatoes with green peas and garlic is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. The potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, while the green peas add a tender sweetness, and the roasted garlic brings a deep, aromatic flavor. This dish is versatile enough to be served as a side or enjoyed as a light meal, and it pairs well with a variety of mains.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to prepare this delicious recipe, including tips on getting the perfect roast on your potatoes and customizing the dish to your liking.

Ingredients:

For the Roasted Potatoes:

• 800g of baby potatoes (or regular potatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces)
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 4-5 garlic cloves, unpeeled
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
• A handful of fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Green Peas:

• 1 cup of fresh or frozen green peas
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (optional, for extra brightness)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). While the oven is heating, wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. You can leave the skins on, as they add extra texture and flavor to the roasted potatoes. If you're using baby potatoes, simply halve them. If using larger potatoes, chop them into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Place the potatoes in a large bowl, drizzle them with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and thyme or rosemary if desired. Toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

2. Roasting the Potatoes and Garlic

Spread the seasoned potatoes onto a baking sheet in a single layer. Add the unpeeled garlic cloves to the baking sheet, distributing them evenly among the potatoes. Roasting the garlic in its skin allows it to soften and become sweet and aromatic without burning.

Roast the potatoes and garlic in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. Halfway through cooking, flip the potatoes and garlic to ensure even roasting.

3. Cooking the Green Peas

While the potatoes are roasting, prepare the green peas. If you're using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling salted water for about 2-3 minutes, then drain and set aside. If you're using frozen peas, simply rinse them under warm water to defrost, then drain.

In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the green peas to the skillet and toss to combine with the garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the peas are tender and heated through.

4. Combining the Potatoes and Peas

Once the potatoes and garlic are roasted to perfection, remove them from the oven. Squeeze the roasted garlic out of its skins and mash it slightly to create a flavorful garlic paste. Toss the roasted potatoes with the garlic paste to ensure the flavor is evenly distributed.

Add the cooked green peas to the roasted potatoes and toss everything together gently. The peas should nestle among the crispy potatoes, adding pops of color and sweetness to the dish.

5. Garnishing and Serving

Transfer the roasted potatoes and peas to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color. If you like, you can drizzle a little more olive oil over the top for extra richness.

Serve the dish warm and enjoy the combination of crispy potatoes, sweet peas, and aromatic roasted garlic. This dish works beautifully as a side for grilled vegetables, roasted vegetables, or as part of a larger meal.

Customizing the Recipe

This roasted potato and pea dish is simple yet versatile, and there are many ways to customize it to suit your tastes. Below are a few ideas to make this recipe your own:

1. Add Other Vegetables

For extra color and flavor, you can add other vegetables to the roasting pan. Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or carrots would pair well with the potatoes and peas. Simply chop the vegetables and add them to the baking sheet with the potatoes for roasting.

2. Add Cheese

For a richer, creamier dish, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or feta cheese over the roasted potatoes and peas just before serving. The cheese adds a savory, salty element that complements the sweetness of the peas and the crispiness of the potatoes.

3. Herb Variations

While parsley is used in this recipe, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like dill, cilantro, or mint. Each herb brings a different flavor profile to the dish, allowing you to customize the salad to your preference.

4. Spice It Up

If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the dish before serving. The spiciness contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the peas and the earthy flavors of the potatoes.

5. Lemon Zest for Brightness

For a citrusy twist, add lemon zest along with the parsley. The zest brightens the dish and adds a refreshing, tangy note that balances the richness of the roasted garlic and potatoes.

Serving Suggestions

This roasted potato and pea dish is versatile and pairs well with a variety of other dishes:

1. As a Side Dish

Serve this dish as a side with roasted vegetables, casseroles, or grain bowls. The crispy potatoes and tender peas complement rich, hearty mains and bring balance to the plate.

2. As a Light Main Course

For a light yet satisfying meal, serve the roasted potatoes and peas with a green salad and some crusty bread. You can also add a protein like grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas to make the dish more filling.

3. Part of a Larger Spread

This dish is a great addition to a larger spread for gatherings or casual dinners. Pair it with other side dishes like grilled vegetables, couscous, or tabbouleh for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.

Tips for Perfect Potatoes

1. Cut Evenly: When cutting the potatoes, try to keep the pieces uniform in size. This ensures that they roast evenly, with all the pieces cooking through at the same rate.

2. Don’t Crowd the Pan: Spread the potatoes out in a single layer on the baking sheet, with enough space between them. If the pan is overcrowded, the potatoes will steam rather than roast, preventing them from getting crispy.

3. Flip for Even Roasting: Halfway through the roasting time, flip the potatoes to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. This helps achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the insides soft and fluffy.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, roasted potatoes with peas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

1. Reheating:

To reheat, place the potatoes and peas in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. You can also reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil to revive the crispiness.

2. Storing:

The dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat as mentioned above and garnish with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh flavor.

Roasted potatoes with green peas and garlic is a simple, flavorful dish that highlights the best of fresh ingredients. The combination of crispy potatoes, sweet peas, and roasted garlic creates a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it on its own, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!