My Winter-Time Potato Snacks in 2 Ways

I crave potato snacks in the dark winter. Keep eating, nobody can stop me. One day, my friend texted me: ‘I keep looking for food in winter; chocolate and potato chips……I’m afraid soon I’ll become a big size.’

I sent her a chocolate photo, ‘same here!’

But I didn’t tell her. I ate loads of potatoes as well. I mean, A LOT!

The winter in Germany is really dark, cold and makes me feel no energy at all. I don’t have any courage and motivation to go running.

Instead, I put all my energy into gaining some energy!

How to Make Winter-Time Potato Snacks in 2 Ways

Here I have 2 ways to make it.

1) Oven-roast Potato Snacks: Less Oil, More Crunchy

Usually, if I plan to roast fish fillets later on, then I’d like to roast the potatoes to fully utilise the oven. Otherwise, I’ll simply use a frying pan which is much quicker and less energy is required.

Video Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potatoes

This version I refer to recipetineats. While I only roasted the potatoes for 20 mins for the colour I wanted, which was much shorter than her recipe. I guess it depends on your oven and how big the potatoes are.

Ingredients

Serves: 2-4

• 6-8 baby/small potato
• salt and pepper
• butter
• olive oil
• parsley

1. Boil potato: Potato with skin on, boil them in salted water(1% salt) for about 20 mins or until a fork can fierce through. (bigger potato needs more time!)
2. Preheat oven: 180ºC (fan mode).
3. Drain dry: Potatoes drain dry and put on an oven tray with parchment paper(don’t use foil, it will stick!), use a fork or masher to smash the potatoes into disk shape.
4. Steam dry: The potatoes should be very hot still, let them sit for few more mins to cool down a bit, less water means crispier!
5. Seasoning: Add some salt and pepper on the potatoes, then add a small amount of butter on each potato (I used about 1/8 tsp), followed by drizzling some olive oil on top.
6. Roast: Roast for 20 mins or so, until the potatoes have a nice golden colour. Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top, enjoy!

2) Pan-fry Potato Snacks: Easy and Convenient

And for the pan-fry version, I take a Japanese recipe as advice, to which mentaiko (明太子, pollock roe) is added. I think it’s a great idea and I want to try it one day!

1. Boil potato: Potato with skin on, boil them in salted water(1% salt) for about 20 mins or until a fork can fierce through. (bigger potato needs more time!)
2. Coat with starch: Use a fork divide the potatoes into smaller pieces. Then sprinkle in some starch to coat the potatoes.
3. Pan-fry: Heat around 2 tbsp of oil in a frying pan, fry the potatoes until golden.
4. Seasoning: Pan remove from the heat, then add in butter and soy sauce, mix well and serve hot!

How about you? What do you crave in winter? Do you also roast potatoes often? Let me know in the comment! And most importantly, share with me your potato snacks recipes!