Parsley Potatoes
Parsley Potatoes are a timeless side dish that brings a burst of fresh flavor to any meal. Simple yet elegant, this recipe highlights tender, perfectly cooked red potatoes tossed with fragrant fresh parsley and a touch of butter. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or need a quick weekday side, these potatoes are your go-to for a comforting, vibrant addition to your plate. The balance of buttery richness and herbaceous brightness makes these Parsley Potatoes irresistibly delicious and incredibly easy to prepare.
What Sets This Recipe Apart
What makes this Parsley Potatoes recipe truly special is its simplicity paired with its fresh, bright flavor. Instead of drowning the potatoes in heavy sauces or complicated seasonings, this dish lets the natural sweetness of the red potatoes shine through, enhanced only by the subtle saltiness of kosher salt and the freshness of minced parsley. The butter brings a silky texture that coats each bite, making every forkful a perfect harmony of creamy and herbal notes. Unlike more complex potato dishes, this recipe requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Plus, the use of red potatoes, known for their smooth skin and firm texture, ensures these potatoes hold their shape beautifully, giving you a pleasing bite every time.
What’s in the Bowl
- 3 pounds red potatoes, scrubbed clean – These small to medium potatoes are perfect for boiling and tossing.
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning – Enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes and the cooking water.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps the parsley stick to the potatoes.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced – Provides a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor.
Essential Tools for Success
- Large pot: For boiling the potatoes evenly without overcrowding.
- Colander: To drain the potatoes efficiently once cooked.
- Mixing bowl: To toss the potatoes with butter and parsley for even coating.
- Sharp knife: For cutting or dicing potatoes if desired.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: To gently stir without mashing the potatoes.
Parsley Potatoes in Steps
Step 1: Prep and Boil Your Potatoes
Begin by scrubbing the red potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt. You can leave the potatoes whole if they’re small, or cut them into halves or quarters for quicker cooking. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt to the pot to season the potatoes as they cook. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes depending on size.
Step 2: Drain and Let Cool Slightly
Once the potatoes are tender but not falling apart, drain them well in a colander. Allow them to cool for a few minutes so the butter won’t melt immediately when tossed in, helping the potatoes absorb the flavors better.
Step 3: Toss with Butter and Parsley
Transfer the warm potatoes to a mixing bowl. Add the unsalted butter, letting it melt over the warm potatoes as you gently toss. Sprinkle the minced fresh parsley over the top and season with additional kosher salt to taste. Toss gently but thoroughly to make sure every piece is coated with the buttery herb mixture.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Parsley Potatoes immediately for the best texture and flavor. They pair beautifully with a variety of mains, whether you’re serving Creamy Mushroom Chicken With Rosemary Potatoes for a cozy dinner or want a crisp contrast alongside Crispy Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes With Garlic Cream. These potatoes are a versatile, crowd-pleasing side every time.
How to Make It Lighter
- Swap the unsalted butter for olive oil or a light vegetable oil to reduce saturated fat.
- Use less butter or skip it altogether and toss the potatoes with a splash of vegetable broth and fresh parsley.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor without extra calories.
- Use fresh herbs like dill or chives in addition to parsley for a fresh, low-calorie flavor boost.
Author’s Commentary
Parsley Potatoes have always been a nostalgic dish for me—simple, unpretentious, and yet full of flavor. I love how the fresh parsley really elevates what could otherwise be a plain boiled potato. The key to success here is using fresh parsley and good-quality butter for that perfect balance between richness and freshness.
- Don’t overcook your potatoes; they should hold their shape well without becoming mushy.
- Feel free to experiment by adding garlic powder or freshly cracked black pepper for an extra punch.
- These potatoes are fantastic served warm, but they also taste great at room temperature, making them perfect for potlucks or picnics.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
While Parsley Potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them if needed. To do so, cool the potatoes completely, then spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, reheat gently in a skillet with a little butter or oil to restore their texture. Keep in mind the texture may soften slightly after freezing, so reheating carefully is key to maintaining flavor and consistency.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well, Yukon Gold or fingerling potatoes can also be used. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, as some potatoes cook faster than others.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Nope! The skins on red potatoes are thin and full of nutrients, plus they add a lovely texture to the dish. Just make sure to scrub them well before cooking.
Can I add other herbs besides parsley?
Definitely. Fresh dill, chives, or thyme are excellent additions that complement the buttery potatoes beautifully. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences.
How should I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
The best way is to reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a small amount of butter or oil. This helps maintain moisture and brings back the fresh flavor without drying out the potatoes.
Try These Next
- Crispy Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes With Garlic Cream – For a decadent, cheesy alternative to your potato sides.
- Creamy Mushroom Chicken With Rosemary Potatoes – A hearty main course paired with perfectly seasoned rosemary potatoes.
- Baked Ranch Chicken Cheddar Potato Casserole – A comforting casserole that’s sure to be a family favorite.
Ready, Set, Cook
Parsley Potatoes are truly one of those dishes that prove simplicity is the ultimate sophistication in the kitchen. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a side dish that’s bursting with fresh flavor and buttery goodness. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, this recipe fits seamlessly into any meal plan. So, grab your potatoes, butter, and parsley, and get ready to enjoy a delicious, fuss-free side that will keep everyone coming back for more.
No matter the occasion, Parsley Potatoes bring that perfect balance of comfort and freshness to your table. They’re versatile enough to pair with a wide range of mains, and their straightforward preparation makes them an ideal weeknight staple. From holiday dinners to casual family meals, this recipe will quickly become a kitchen favorite.
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Parsley Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by scrubbing the red potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt. Leave whole if small, or cut into halves or quarters for quicker cooking. Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes depending on size.
- Drain the potatoes well in a colander once tender but not falling apart. Allow to cool for a few minutes so butter won’t melt immediately when tossed in, helping the potatoes absorb flavors better.
- Transfer warm potatoes to a mixing bowl. Add unsalted butter and let it melt over the warm potatoes as you gently toss. Sprinkle minced fresh parsley and season with additional kosher salt to taste. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece with buttery herb mixture.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor. These potatoes pair beautifully with a variety of mains and make a versatile, crowd-pleasing side.
Notes
- Don’t overcook potatoes; they should hold their shape without becoming mushy.
- Try adding garlic powder or freshly cracked black pepper for extra flavor.
- Parsley Potatoes are delicious served warm or at room temperature, great for potlucks and picnics.
- For a lighter version, substitute butter with olive oil or vegetable broth and add fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- To freeze, cool potatoes completely, freeze individually on a baking sheet, then store airtight; reheat gently in a skillet to maintain texture.
