Best Punched Potatoes Recipes

PORTUGUESE "PUNCHED" POTATOES (BATATAS A MURRO)

Steps:

• 1. Wash and scrub the potatoes. Remove any blemishes and pat dry.
• 2. Pierce with a fork in a couple of spots.
• 3. Coat with sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Gently rub the oil into the potatoes and place in small oven proof dish or pan.
• 4. Use an oven to table dish for easy serving. Cook at 400 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on your oven.
• 5. Note: (You can also boil the potatoes in salted water, with the skin on for about 30-45 minutes. Pierce with a fork to check how tender they are.)
• 6. Meanwhile, make garlic oil: In a small saucepan heat the oil and add the garlic. Cook on low for a few minutes until the garlic turns slightly golden. Do not overcook or the garlic will become bitter!
• 7. To test the potatoes, pierce them with a fork or gently squeeze a potato holding your oven mitt. The potato should be soft.
• 8. When the potatoes are ready, punch them down with your fist wrapped in a clean dish towel. or with a meat mallet until they "POP" open. *Note: The potatoes are hot - be careful!
• 9. When ready to serve, pour the garlic olive oil over the potatoes and sprinkle on fresh cracked black pepper as desired.
• 10. Place in the oven on low until ready to serve or re-heat the next day! Enjoy!

PUNCHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Pre-heat the oven to 375.
• Bake the potatoes until soft (30 to 50 minutes, depending on the size).
• Slowly heat the oil.
• Remove from the heat and add the garlic.
• Allow steeping at least 10 minutes.
• Place the potato on a cutting board.
• Cover with a clean towel.
• Using a meat tenderizing mallet carefully punch the potato.
• Use a spatula to transfer to a plate.
• Pour the garlic oil and vinegar (if used) over the potato.
• Check the seasoning.

ROASTED PUNCHED POTATOES

Steps:

• With the rack in the center position, heat the oven to 475 degrees. Set potatoes on a baking sheet and roast until very tender, about 40 minutes. Remove potatoes from the oven (leave the oven on) and set aside to cool for 10 minutes. Place the potatoes in a bowl, brush the baking sheet with 2 tablespoons oil, and sprinkle sheet lightly with salt and pepper. Return the potatoes to the sheet spaced so they do not touch, and with the bottom of a mug (or a similar tool), sharply press down on the potatoes to break their skins and compress the flesh to about ¾ inch thick. Brush the broken potatoes with the remaining oil, sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper, return to the oven, and roast until golden and crisp, 30 to 40 minutes longer, turning the baking sheet partway through cooking time. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary, then transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with parsley, and serve.