Roasted Smashed Potatoes

I found this recipe because of Pinterest, and I just had to try it for myself. It was originally taken from America's Test Kitchen where you have to sign up to see it, so if you don't want to sign up, just use my version! The great thing about this recipe is that it's easy to make, especially if you have left over already boiled potatoes, and you don't really need specific amounts of anything, just experiment!

I decided to try it today because we have a bunch of boiled potatoes leftover from the dinner party my parents organised yesterday, so for me, it was very convenient! These potatoes are great alone as a snack, or you can add some grilled chicken or something alongside them for a dinner meal. 

Ingredients:

- However many potatoes you want to make

- Extra virgin olive oil

- Fresh thyme leaves (approximately a teaspoon)

- Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the desired amount of potatoes and preheat the oven to about 130ºC (266ºF)

2. Line a baking tray with a baking sheet, and space out the potatoes evenly

3. Drizzle enough olive oil over potatoes to coat them, then roll them around so they are evenly coated

4. Cut out a piece of new baking paper, big enough to fit over a full potato and more. Place the small baking sheet on top of a separate potato and press down firmly, flattening the potatoes until they are about 1 cm thick. Repeat for each potato. 

5. Sprinkle the desired amount of thyme leaves and season generously with salt and pepper

6. Lightly drizzle on some more olive oil, but not so that the potatoes are soaking in oil. 

7. Roast the potatoes in the middle of the oven for about 10 minutes and then check. If needed, add an extra few minutes, but you should probably not exceed 15 minutes. 

8. Allow potatoes to slightly cool. Be careful, they will be extremely hot when first taken out of the oven. Serve as soon as possible. 

Next time I make these, I'll have to add more salt to mine, they weren't as salty as I would have liked, but I still enjoyed them! It's important not to leave the potatoes in the oven for too long, otherwise they get too crunchy and aren't as soft and nice on the inside.