Imagine a side dish so incredibly flavorful and easy to prepare that it transforms your ordinary meal into a culinary masterpiece. These Lemon Parsley Potatoes in Foil are not just a recipe; they're a game-changing kitchen hack that combines zesty lemon, fresh herbs, and perfectly crisp potatoes in one simple, foolproof package. Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend culinary enthusiast, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even cooking.
- Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly under cool running water. Pat them dry completely with paper towels to ensure crisp edges.
- Cut the baby potatoes in half lengthwise, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size for even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together to create a uniform marinade.
- Add the halved potatoes to the bowl and toss gently until each potato is evenly coated with the lemon-parsley mixture.
- Tear off four large sheets of aluminum foil, each about 12 inches long. This will create individual foil packets for even cooking and easy serving.
- Divide the seasoned potatoes equally among the foil sheets, placing them in the center of each sheet.
- Carefully fold and seal the foil packets, creating a tight but loose tent-like enclosure that allows steam to circulate.
- Place the foil packets on a large baking sheet and transfer to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of potato halves.
- Carefully open the foil packets (be cautious of hot steam) and check the potatoes for doneness. They should be golden and easily pierced.
- Optional: For extra crispiness, open the foil packets and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve hot directly from the foil packets, allowing each person to open their own packet at the table for a rustic, aromatic presentation.
Tips
- Pat those potatoes completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Use fresh lemon juice and freshly chopped parsley for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Choose baby potatoes of similar size to guarantee even cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the foil packets - give the potatoes some breathing room.
- For extra crispy edges, consider opening the foil packets and broiling for a few minutes at the end.
- Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary for flavor variations.
- Always use a sharp knife when cutting potatoes to ensure clean, even cuts.
- Let the potatoes rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to settle and steam to escape.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
