Lemon Potatoes

February 20, 2015

Lemon Potatoes




Do you get angry when playing video games?
I myself am not big on video games — growing up I’ve never owned an Atari, PlayStation, XBox or Nintendo Wii. But ever since the dawn of smartphones and tablets, I’ve started playing video games on my mobile devices like the rest of the world population.
Angry Birds, Words with Friends, Candy Crush, Fruit Ninja, etc, you name ‘em.
During a subway ride, while waiting at the checkout line, when you do your business in the restroom (to me, a sacred moment), playing a quick video game on your phone it’s the best.
That is, until you start getting angry at the video game. I’m talking about full on exasperation, to the point that you want to smash the device against the wall.
NEVER.A.GOOD.IDEA.

Lemon




Then the other day I started thinking how dumb it was for me to get so worked up over a game built for entertainment — not to mention how dumb it would be to destroy a 500 bucks device over a video game.
So I’ve decided to take a different approach: from now on I’ll just turn the video game off when I get frustrated, take a deep breath, think about how much I have enjoyed the game up to that point, and go on about my day.
Because it’s just right down stupid to get mad over such a petty thing.

Rosemary




When I’m cooking I never get angry, not even when I fail miserably at making something.
It’s a total stress-buster for me and that’s one of the reasons I love doing it so much.
For instance, cooking potatoes always puts me in a good mood.
It’s so simple. There’s no complex science behind it, you just grab some potatoes and go for it. Boil, bake, steam, mash, roast, et cetera. Endless possibilities and always awesome results.

Lemon Potatoes


I know that many of you associate potatoes with weight gain. And in a way, you’re not mistaken.
Potatoes are indeed a great source of energy and carbs; but they contain also other important nutrients such as amino-acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Not to mention that they have been recently allowed in the so-called Whole30 program — meaning that now even the most hardcore paleoistas can enjoy the tuberous crop (as long as they’re not chips or fries.)

Lemon Potatoes




Anyways, let’s talk about this recipe, shall we?
I’ve been making these lemon potatoes for quite some time now.
Can I just say: YUM?
These are truly divine potatoes; crusty, nicely browned, and accented by a full (but not overpowering) lemon flavor.
They are perfect on their own or accompanying roast lamb, chicken, pork, a juicy burger or steak...the list goes on.
These are seriously legit and yummy and awesome. OK, I’ll stop.

Lemon Potatoes


Lemon Potatoes                                                                                                              Print this recipe!
Adapted from Everyday Food

Ingredients
Serves 5

2 lbs / 900 gr potatoes, peeled and cut into ¾-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ lemon, thinly sliced
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Place potato chunks in a large pan and cover with 2 inches of water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook until potatoes are just cooked through, about 15 minutes.
Drain potatoes and let them dry for 5 minutes.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add potato in one layer (if you can’t fit all the potatoes in the skillet at once, cook them in batches) and cook, without stirring, until crisp and golden on one side. Gently turn the potatoes and cook until golden on all sides, about 2 minutes per side.
Use a slotted spoon and transfer potatoes to paper towels to drain.
Add lemon slices to the skillet and cook until slices are golden on both sides, about 3 minutes.
To serve, season potatoes and lemon slices with salt and pepper, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with chopped rosemary.

Nutrition facts

One serving yields 224 calories, 6 grams of fat, 36 grams of carbs, and 5 grams of protein.

20 comments:

  1. Yum is right! These sound so good. That picture of the rosemary is lovely and makes me yearn for gardening season. I've decided in moderation potatoes are fine for me, this comes from a short lived time thinking they were evil and a long period where they were my favorite food ;)

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  2. For some reason this recipe makes me think of spring season. Maybe it's the lemons :) look awesome, Mike!

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  3. I don't understand your abhorrence of beets, but I do understand your lack of anger at cooking fails, Mike!
    I love the sound of this simple dish - I've been on a lemon kick - so this is perfect for me! Hope you have a wonderful weekend friend!

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  4. Simplistic and delicious recipe, not to mention beautiful photos Mike. I love pan roasted lemons, brings out the flavor one more notch. As you say, "legit" side dish. Have a great weekend.

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    1. Pan roasted lemons are the best indeed Kev, legit in all respect! ;)

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  5. So simple yet so delicious - these lemon potatoes are perfect Mike! Incredible caramelised colour too.

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  6. Haha damn the video games! I try and avoid downloading those kind of apps- They eat my space and drive me bonkers when I suck at them!

    Mate, I am potatoes biggest fan- Seriously, eat them at least five times a week. When I did whole30 last year, I allowed myself white potatoes, got all this flack from everyone then when I finished, they announced it was allowed. Story of my life.

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    1. I suggest you do a Whole30, this time without feeling guilty for eating potatoes ;)

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  7. This looks delicious <3

    https://aspoonfulofnature.wordpress.com/

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  8. Mike, your photography is amazing and although I absolutely agree with you on the cooking putting me in a good mood and having a calming effect on me - your pictures are putting me in a great mood this early Sunday morning. I love visiting blogs with fantastic photos like yours, that always makes my day.Plus I love lemons and rosemary (two of my fav ingredients) - great post, wonderful recipe and fantastic photos!
    Have a good Sunday and greetings from balmy Bonn,
    Andrea.

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    1. Thank you so much Andrea, I hope you had a great weekend!

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  9. I've been a video game lover since I was about 6-years old. I go through phases where I play more or play less depending on what else is going on in life. All through grad school, I actually found that playing video games helped push me to get my work done so that I could take a break and play a game for a bit. But yes, sometimes I got mad at them. Never enough to throw the controller...but mad nonetheless. You know what doesn't make me mad, though? Lemons. Lemons and potatoes. These look seriously delicious, Alpha! #WolfpackEats

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