Ingredients
- 500g Baby Potatoes Halved or Quartered if Large
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Dried Rosemary
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
Method
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Wash the baby potatoes and cut them into halves or quarters, depending on their size. You want them to be roughly the same size for even cooking.
Step 2: Season
In a microwave-safe bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, dried rosemary, dried thyme, garlic powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure all the potatoes are coated with the seasoning.
Step 3: Cook
Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or cling film, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high for about 7-10 minutes. The exact time might vary depending on your microwave and the size of the potato pieces.
Halfway through the cooking time, carefully remove the bowl and give the potatoes a good stir to ensure they cook evenly.
- These timings are roughly based on a 900w microwave. It will depend on the size of the potatoes, of course. If you have a higher-wattage microwave, you will want to check them after 5 minutes.
Step 4: Check and Serve
After the cooking time is up, carefully remove the bowl and check if the potatoes are tender by piercing them with a fork. If they need more time, microwave in additional 1-minute bursts until they’re perfectly tender.
Let them stand for a minute or two before serving.
Tweaks
- Add Saltiness Sprinkle feta cheese over the potatoes just before serving for a creamy saltiness.
- Add Texture Add crispy bacon bits after cooking for a savoury smokiness that also adds a bit of crunch to the dish.
- Include Roasted Garlic Mix in roasted garlic cloves before microwaving for a deep, caramelised garlic flavour.
Substitutes
- Reduce the Carbs Swap the baby potatoes for sweet potatoes for a sweeter, nutrient-rich alternative.
- Use Fresh Herbs Replace dried rosemary and thyme with fresh herbs for a more vibrant flavour. Use about 1 tbsp of each fresh herb, chopped.
- Add Smokiness Swap garlic powder for paprika if you prefer a smoky flavour with a hint of sweetness.
Storage
- In the Fridge Place cooled herbed potatoes in an airtight container. They will last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Ensure the container is sealed properly to maintain freshness and prevent odour absorption.
- In the Freezer For freezing, spread the cooled potatoes on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents clumping, allowing you to use portions as needed for up to 3 months.
Tips
Rinse and Dry Rinse the cut potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch, which can make them soggy, and then dry them thoroughly before seasoning to help the oil and herbs stick.
Stir Half Way Stirring the potatoes halfway through the cooking time is good for even cooking and prevents any from becoming too soft or undercooked.
Check Seasoning After cooking, taste a potato and adjust the salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Microwaving can sometimes mute flavours, so a little extra seasoning might be necessary.
Add Crunch If you prefer a slightly crispy exterior, after microwaving, spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and grill for 2-3 minutes or until they start to brown.