Crushed New Potatoes...A New Favorite Side Dish

Crushed New Potatoes...A New Favorite Side Dish. These potatoes are so easy to make, a really great addition to any meal. I think it brings the meal up a notch...just because they are so delicious and yet different. They are perfect for an appetizer as well. Scouring the net, I noticed that they are Cuban in origin....called Cuban Crushed Potatoes. Now, you will see them all over the blog world, and many chefs have these at their restaurants. Really, they are great little potatoes! They have become our new favorite way to eat them...they are the perfect size too. Sometimes, when you just want a smaller portion of potatoes, you just might want to make these. They definitely have a ton of flavor... even in smaller portions. The regular recipe just calls for simple ingredients...potatoes,oil,salt,pepper, and a sprinkle of parsley. I chose to bring in more flavor by adding some garlic and chives. I also sprinkled some Parmesan and a bit of pepper jack cheese. I noticed that the melted cheese holds the crushed potatoes together and is easier to lift up without having pieces of potatoes fall all over. You can add some cilantro, parsley, thyme, oregano...or any other herbs you have and like. If you want to make them spicy, toss in some pepper flakes. But, I think you will enjoy these.

You will need: adjust amounts to fit your needs(make more or make less)

4 new potatoes

1 TBS olive oil

1 garlic clove

1 TBS chives

salt

pepper

2 TBS grated cheese(any kind you like...I used Pepper Jack)

1 TBS Parmesan
Herbs of choice (optional)

Directions:

Preheat Broiler

Wash potatoes well and place in salted water.

Bring to boil and cook till fork tender (15-20 minutes).

Mix oil with crushed garlic clove. Set aside.

Line a baking sheet with parchment. Place the potatoes on the parchment.

Using a potato crusher, crush the potatoes carefully. You may also use a paper towel and press the potatoes with your palm.

Pour some garlic oil over each potato.

Sprinkle some salt and pepper. Add some Parmesan/Pepper Jack cheese and chives.

Broil for 7-10 minutes or until nice and crispy.

Sometimes, I bake the potatoes with the Parmesan cheese for 10-15 minutes, add the Pepper Jack cheese at the last moment, and then broil until golden brown.

Sprinkle with additional chives.