I’m not a vegetarian but I wouldn’t have any trouble if I decided to eat that way because I love vegetables. These are two of our favorites and we enjoyed them with a lovely porterhouse steak that I put in the sous vide before grilling.
My mother taught me how to make these potatoes. She always loved new Maine potatoes or even newish russets but alas, I have neither down under but it doesn’t make any difference. The trick is to choose potatoes that are flattish in shape.
I trim the two sides and slice down the middle. Trimming the sides leaves a flat surface making them look nicer on the plate but it’s not necessary. Once they’re on the baking tray I pour just a tiny bit of olive oil on each potato and smear it around with my finger. I could use a brush but it’s easier to wash my finger.
Once all the potatoes are oiled, I shake some seasoning salt on each one and then some paprika and then into the oven at 180C/350F for about 30 minutes. Serve with a tiny dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives and these potatoes will make happy faces at the table.
My second favorite side dish is really too simple to need a recipe but we really enjoy it. I cut up a butternut pumpkin (squash) into chunks and cut an onion in half and then slice each half and put it all into a casserole dish. I dot with just a bit of butter and into the microwave for 2 minutes then stir to coat everything with the butter and then I add kosher salt and pepper and back into the microwave for another 3 minutes, then into a 180C/350F oven until the edges of the butternut begin to take on some color. That’s it.
The onions and the butternut are both sweet and that suits me just fine. It’s almost like having dessert along with dinner.
- 4 potatoes - russet if you have them and any potato if you don't
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (about) seasoning salt (I use Lawry's)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- Preheat oven to 180C/350F
- Wash potatoes well, removing the eyes and any bruises
- Make both sides flat by trimming the potato and slice the potato in half lengthwise
- Place potatoes on a baking sheet covered with baking paper (not necessary but they won't stick with the paper) and rub a little olive oil over the cut side.
- Sprinkle each potato with seasoning salt and paprika and place in the oven for about 30 minutes.
- Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of chives.
I needed a break today so I took the camera and the dog to the dog park. He had the entire park to himself and I think old Chucko had a good time.
My little frog man. When he’s tired he takes his ball to the water bowl and he lies with his head (and the ball) in the bowl. As you can see, he’s splashed a bit on the ground so he can lie down in it to cool off.
Could his tongue hang out any farther?? I think not.
Ooh I’m loving the look of these potatoes and love reading about new techniques! We took delivery of a lot of potatoes so I’ll go through them with an eye to the flattish ones 😀
These potatoes look delicious but most importantly your do is so adorable! 🙂
Yesterday I made a puree of avocado, dijon and lime. It was yuck. Seriously, I was heartbroken. The salmon salvaged some of the pride. If I only had this recipe yesterday. Looks just perfect!
That entire meal looks so delicious! I am so glad our grilling season has started.
An excellent way to exercise portion control cutting the potatoes like that — well done! Simple side dishes is what keeps me going most weeknights, this one is a keeper.
The potatoes looks very good but I’m drooling at the steak. 🙂
Fun times at the doggy park.
Mmmm – I love vegetables too – Maureen – and our meals tend to heavy on veg with meat almost as a side:-) Going to give those potatoes a try – they look fab – thanks for sharing.
Maureen, what simple and delicious side dishes! I am going to try the potatoes for sure! Loved the photos of your cute do; he really had a good afternoon at the park it looks like! Glad you could step away for a break.
Love these potatoes. So simple but I can only imagine how delicious. I’m going to have to try this with sweet potatoes. 🙂
I love the potato recipe, my husband would love it and I’m going to try it this week. And your ‘boy’ is precious!!
Maureen, I’d also be a happy camper just eating veggie sides. Especially ones as tasty as your potato looks. What a unique shape!
I had butternut squash last night, cut into chunks and roasted, with some zucchini, but it took forever – your idea of starting things in the microwave is brilliant!
I will definitely do that next time, I am having one of those palm in the forehead moments….
I saw the last photo on FB – my gosh he is adorable and wow, that is a loooong tongue!
I prepare potatoes like that too. And how funny that we both shared our fave way to prepare pumpkin so close to each other! 😉
We could be vegetarians too! We love meat and eat plenty of it, but eat far, far more veggie dishes. Great sides. And wonderful pictures of Charlie! Thanks.
Hello Maureen,
I LOVE Chucko . What a sweetie!
Both of your veggie recipes sound excellent! I’m going to Pin them to my Pinterest recipe board.
Wishing you and Chucko well,
Carol
Truly, you can’t beat a good potato side, Maureen… I love the sound of these. And so good to see Charlie enjoying himself. xx
lol, he is gorgeous, & your photos are too Maureen :)) xx
Your fur-child is adorable! Love the potatoes – what a great way to roast and get a nice char all the way around!
Love side dishes. I play and try new things with sides more than entrees. That butternut side looks yummy.
Ahhhhhhh – to be as carefree as a dog! 🙂
Your potato looks awesome, the color is just so inviting…but I must confess, if I have to make a choice I would go for the steak…luckily this is not the case, so I will be very happy with the potato and the butternut squash as side dishes.
Have a great week Maureen 🙂
The next time I cook potatoes I will try yours , they look delicious. Those are cute pictures of Charlie, he is having a good time.
I love potatoes every which way and this way looks darn good! Squash is another of my faves, too. I don’t eat meat and everyone always think I need something to fill my plate when they have steak. I get so full on “side dishes” and am perfectly happy. Old Chucko Charlie seems to be doing great. I’ve found with the new pup that I take more time out of my day to play with him and that is a good thing for me. And him. And even Freddie!
I do hope you don’t mind if I think Charlie has well and truly stolen the show: ‘Look Mommie, look Mommie . . .I’m having so much fun!! . . . . oh, sweet potatoes and the pumpkin for me . . .
Love your potatoes Maureen and will be making these today!
Your four legged one is such a cutie!!!
Oh butternut squash is MY FAVORITE side dish, EVER!!!! I would eat it every single day for the rest of my life 🙂
I will definitely be making those potatoes soon! How delicious. I could live off potatoes I think. Charlie looks rather happy that you needed a break!
Sometimes the simpler things in life are the best. Plus with a dog a cute as chucko, who needs anything else.
Charlie got in trouble at the park today. Another dog wanted a drink while Charlie had his head in the bowl. Mayhem ensued and Charles ended up in the car. 🙂
How simple these two recipes are!! I was just wondering why did you put the squash in the microwave before the oven? Is it to soften it?
I do it to melt the butter and then it shortens the time in the oven. I’m always in a hurry at dinner time. 🙂
Loving your simple potato and pumpkin sides and that steak is calling my name!!! I can’t even remember the last time I baked potatoes for my boys so you have inspired me this weekend. I think I might have to crack up the aircon as it is so humid now in HK. Little “Frog Man” is adorable! I think he needs his own instagram or Facebook account. This heat in HK really has Buddy hanging his tongue low, sometime is is so hot he does not even want to go outside.
Charlie does have his own Instagram but I haven’t had time to post and comment for him in months. Life’s too busy with the humans and he’d prefer to go to the park if there was a choice. 🙂
I love potatoes in any form, Maureen. And while I like baked potatoes, I’ve never quite baked them like this before. They look incredible! Your dog is so cute! Glad you both had a well needed break at the park today! : )
Excellent photos of Charlie. What a character. Love the action shot of running with a ball in his mouth. He sure does love the dog park. He’s keeping you young and fit, Maureen! What a fantastic meal and I bet the steak was a lot better than the one poor you had in Sydney. I do like the sound of your sides – what a great way to enjoy both potatoes and pumpkin xx
Ol Chucko is precious!! and these taters look pretty yummy too! I love Lawry’s season salt.
I like the oiling technique! Fab sides, Maureen. Admittedly my eyes went straight to the sear marks on the steak, but I am a big fan of potatoes and butternut squash. Our next steak dinner will look like yours!
Love the way you cooked potatoes, they look so simple and délicieux ! It seems you had a lot of fun with Charlie. He looks so happy 🙂
I love veggies too! But probably can’t ever be vegetarian, I love meat even more. 😛 These side dishes look delicious! So does the steak.
I am stuck in a potato rut (always diced roasted potatoes – delicious, but boring) and I need some new ideas. I really like how you sliced them – it’s just begging for toppings. Wheels turning now… 😉 thanks for the inspiration!
I’m actually in love with that glossy, soft exterior on these side dishes! I’m always looking for good vegetarian ones to include in my meals–I’m actually much more of a side dish gal than a main dish one 😉 have a lovely rest of your week, Maureen!! xo
Charlie is one darling cutie pie all right. Glad you gave yourself a break Maureen; it’s an inspiring good reminder and is important!
Interesting that no Russets (one of my favorites along with Japanese satsuma) are grown in Australia. Nonetheless your potatoes are something I could polish off in no time at all =)
Dear Maureen,
The potato slice looks delicious with the porterhouse. I am like you are. I love meat but I am also a voracious vegetable eater to make up for all the excesses 🙂
Steak and potatoes – a meal made in heaven! Great potato dishes. Love those pictures of Charlie!
“My little frog man”. I love this man. 🙂