Print

Za'atar Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 6 reviews

Za'atar Potatoes are a flavorful and crispy roasted potato dish infused with aromatic Middle Eastern za'atar spice blend, cumin, and a tangy lemon-parsley dressing. Perfect as a side dish or a snack, these potatoes are parboiled to tender perfection, then roasted until golden and crispy, and finished with a fresh and zesty herb dressing for a delightful burst of flavor.

Ingredients

Potatoes

  • 2 medium waxy potatoes

Seasoning & Spices

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons za'atar
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Dressing

  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 20 g fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • Drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F) to prepare for roasting the potatoes.
  2. Parboil the potatoes: Wash and cube the waxy potatoes, then place them in a pan filled with water. Parboil for approximately 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are just fork tender to ensure they cook evenly when roasted.
  3. Drain and roughen edges: Drain the potatoes thoroughly and give the pan a good shake to rough up the edges of the cubes. This helps achieve a crispy texture during roasting.
  4. Season the potatoes: Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil, then sprinkle over the cumin, salt, and black pepper. Squeeze half the lemon juice over the potatoes and toss gently to coat evenly.
  5. Roast the potatoes – first phase: Transfer the potatoes to a roasting pan or air fryer tray. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes at 220°C (or air fry at 200°C for 20 minutes) until they start to get golden and crispy.
  6. Add za'atar and continue roasting: Remove the potatoes from the oven or air fryer and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of za'atar over them. Return to the oven for another 20 minutes (or 10–15 minutes in the air fryer) to intensify the flavor and crispness.
  7. Prepare the parsley dressing: While the potatoes finish roasting, combine chopped parsley, minced garlic, remaining za'atar, lemon juice, vinegar, and a drizzle of olive oil in a bowl. Mix well to create a fresh, tangy dressing.
  8. Finish and serve: Once the potatoes are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and drizzle the parsley dressing over the top. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use waxy potatoes for the best texture that holds shape well during parboiling and roasting.
  • Parboiling ensures the potatoes cook through evenly and achieve a fluffy inside with a crispy exterior.
  • Adjust the za'atar quantity to your taste preference – add more for a stronger herbal flavor.
  • If air frying, monitor closely towards the end as cooking times can vary between devices.
  • Serve immediately after adding the dressing to maintain crispiness.