Easy Microwave Potatoes: A Quick and Delicious Side
My grandmother, bless her heart, was a stickler for tradition. But even she, a woman who wouldn’t dream of buying pre-shredded cheese, secretly relied on the microwave for certain things. I remember one busy Thanksgiving, the oven overflowing with turkey and pies, she whispered to me, “Honey, those potatoes? Just pop ’em in the microwave. No one will ever know!” The aroma of basil and garlic filled the air, a comforting blend of old-world flavors and modern convenience. It was our little secret, and those potatoes were surprisingly delicious.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 13-15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Dietary Type: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 medium potatoes
- 2 tablespoons margarine
- 1⁄4 teaspoon basil
- 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic salt
Equipment Needed
- Microwave-safe dish with a lid, or microwave-safe plastic wrap.
- Knife
- Cutting board
Instructions
- Begin by washing and drying the potatoes. Then, using a sharp knife, carefully cut the potatoes into wedges. Aim for roughly uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- In a microwave-safe dish, melt the margarine. This can be done by microwaving it for approximately 20-30 seconds on high, or until fully melted. Be sure to watch it closely to prevent splattering.
- To the melted margarine, add the basil and garlic salt. Stir well to combine the herbs and salt evenly into the melted margarine. This mixture will form the flavorful coating for the potatoes.
- Place the potato wedges into the dish with the margarine mixture. Gently stir the potatoes to ensure they are thoroughly coated with the flavored margarine. All sides of the potatoes should be glistening with the mixture.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid, or alternatively, with microwave-safe plastic wrap. If using plastic wrap, be sure to vent it slightly to allow steam to escape.
- Microwave on high for 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and easily pierced with a fork. Cooking times may vary depending on the power of your microwave and the size of the potato wedges. Start checking for doneness at 8 minutes, and add more time in 1-minute increments if needed.
- Carefully remove the dish from the microwave. Be cautious, as the dish and steam will be very hot. Let the potatoes stand for a minute or two before serving.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- For extra crispy potatoes, after microwaving, transfer them to a preheated skillet with a little olive oil and sear them for a few minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Don’t overcrowd the dish! If you’re making a large batch, microwave the potatoes in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices. Rosemary, thyme, paprika, or onion powder would all be delicious additions.
- For a richer flavor, substitute butter for margarine.
- If you want to use whole small potatoes, pierce them a few times with a fork before microwaving. This prevents them from exploding.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve these easy microwave potatoes immediately as a delicious side dish to your favorite main course. They pair wonderfully with grilled chicken, steak, fish, or even a vegetarian burger. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for an extra touch of freshness.
Leftover potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave them for a minute or two, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet with a little oil for a crispier texture. I do not recommend freezing microwave potatoes, as it changes the texture.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 174.3 kcal | N/A |
| Calories from Fat | 52 kcal | N/A |
| Total Fat | 5.8 g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.2 g | 6% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 76.2 mg | 3% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28.1 g | 9% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g | 14% |
| Sugars | 1.2 g | 5% |
| Protein | 3.3 g | 6% |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Variations & Substitutions
- Spicy Potatoes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the margarine mixture for a kick.
- Cheesy Potatoes: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes during the last minute of cooking.
- Mediterranean Potatoes: Use olive oil instead of margarine, and add dried oregano, lemon zest, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Vegan Potatoes: Ensure the margarine is plant-based. Nutritional yeast can be added for a cheesy flavour.
- Herbaceous Potatoes: Fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano can be used in place of dried basil or garlic powder. Adjust the amount to taste.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use olive oil instead of margarine?
A: Yes, olive oil is a great substitute! It will give the potatoes a slightly different flavor profile, but it works just as well.
Q: How do I know when the potatoes are done?
A: The potatoes are done when they are easily pierced with a fork. If they still feel firm, continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until they are tender.
Q: Can I use different types of potatoes?
A: Yes, you can use different types of potatoes, such as red potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, as some varieties may cook faster than others.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A: Certainly! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the dish. Just be sure to cut them into similar sizes as the potatoes for even cooking.
Q: What if I don’t have a microwave-safe dish with a lid?
A: If you don’t have a lid, you can use microwave-safe plastic wrap to cover the dish. Just be sure to vent it slightly to allow steam to escape. A microwave-safe plate will also work.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – a super easy, surprisingly delicious microwave potato recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you just need a quick and comforting side dish. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings and toppings to make it your own. I encourage you to give it a try and let me know what you think. Pair it with a simple salad or a grilled piece of chicken for a complete and satisfying meal. Happy cooking!