Make Ahead

Lemon-Roasted Potatoes with Kalamatas

March 16, 2021
4.5
20 Ratings
Photo by James Ransom
  • Prep time 20 minutes
  • Cook time 1 hour
  • Serves 4 as a side
Author Notes

I've been making these potatoes for years and love to serve them with slow-roasted Greek chicken. The olives mellow out with the long roasting time. —inpatskitchen

Test Kitchen Notes

This is such a fabulous recipe that I plan to commit it to memory and to keep pitted kalamata olives on hand at all times. These roasted potatoes are so simple to make, but the amazing flavor (garlic + lemon + kalamatas) will haunt you until every last melting potato wedge has been devoured. They would pair well with roast chicken, broiled fish, or grilled lamb chops. Definitely an Editors' Pick! —AppleAnnie

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 5 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into thick wedges
  • 1/2 cup water (plus more, if needed)
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 minced garlic cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives (about 25–30), pitted
  • 1/2 cup roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley (optional)
Directions
  1. Thoroughly combine all ingredients (except the parsley) and layer them evenly in a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
  2. Roast at 400°F for 30 minutes. If at this point the potatoes seem dry, add another 1/2 cup of water.
  3. Turn the potatoes and roast for 30 more minutes. Serve sprinkled with the parsley, if desired.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • fitzie
    fitzie
  • boulangere
    boulangere
  • Genevieve Mailloux
    Genevieve Mailloux
  • Analida Braeger
    Analida Braeger
  • Hollis Ramsey
    Hollis Ramsey
inpatskitchen

Recipe by: inpatskitchen

I think I get my love for food and cooking from my mom, who was an amazing cook. She would start baking and freezing a month before Christmas in order to host our huge open house on Christmas afternoon. I watched and I learned...to this day I try not to procrastinate when it comes to entertaining. My cooking style is pretty much all over the place, although I'm definitely partial to Greek and Italian cuisine. Oh yes, throw a little Cajun in there too!

60 Reviews

ghainskom April 12, 2020
Good and simple side dish. Bonus is the scent in the kitchen when roasting :)
 
inpatskitchen April 12, 2020
Thanks so much ghainskom!!
 
Cheryl March 8, 2020
Good but garlic is very strong - would prefer with less.
 
inpatskitchen March 9, 2020
Hope you'll try it again with less garlic then...I just happen to be a garlic lover!
 
mbobden September 17, 2019
test
 
mbobden September 17, 2019
I have had problems with minced garlic burning although I keep the pan moist with water throughout roasting. Any trick to doing this correctly. I was thinking of trying with whole cloves instead.
 
mbobden September 17, 2019
Love these but I have problem with the minced garlic burning even when keeping water in pan. Is there a trick to this to doing this correctly. I was considering leaving cloves whole but afraid would loose the taste throughout. Thank you.
 
inpatskitchen September 17, 2019
Hi mbobden! I have no real answer to your dilemma but you might try adding the garlic during the last 30 minutes of cook time. (less time to burn!) Hope it works out....
 
jane G. February 22, 2019
Excellent dish to serve with a Greek leg of lamb. The lemon added much to the potatoes, along with the olives. The only change I made was to use smoked paprika, as that is what I keep on hand.
 
inpatskitchen February 23, 2019
Thank you jane! I'll have to try the smoked paprika!!!
 
fitzie July 8, 2018
I don't understand the water. What is its purpose?
 
inpatskitchen July 8, 2018
The water helps keep the potatoes moist, otherwise they may burn in the oven.
 
boulangere July 6, 2018
I freaking love these. Just saying.
 
inpatskitchen July 6, 2018
Me too!! Thanks again!!
 
Genevieve M. July 5, 2018
I made this twice now with patates nouvelles, followed recipe to a T, but added and tossef chopped green onions as soon as I took the potatoes out of the oven. Soooo good!!!
 
inpatskitchen July 5, 2018
Sooo glad you enjoyed! Thanks so much!
 
KarenLee53 March 22, 2018
Can this recipe be made in advance?
 
inpatskitchen March 22, 2018
I'm not sure Karen...maybe someone else will chime in. I think you can re heat but I've never tried
 
Ingrid March 13, 2018
My family makes something similar with cauliflower instead of potatoes. The garlic and kalamata olives turn cauliflower into something absolutely succulent. I've never put lemon in it though--I've have to try it!
 
inpatskitchen March 14, 2018
You've given me inspiration! I'm going to try it too...thanks!!
 
Analida B. March 12, 2018
I love the flavors in these potatoes and the olives are a nice salty touch too! They make me think of a nice greek tzatziki sauce for dipping or drizzling over them too: https://ethnicspoon.com/authentic-greek-tzatziki-sauce/
 
inpatskitchen March 12, 2018
Thanks Analida! I never thought of adding nutmeg to tzatziki...will have to give it a try!
 
Hollis R. March 11, 2018
STOP PEELING POTATOES ... and eggplant, too! like with poultry and pork, the skin's awesome! how many years did we throw away citrus peel before people started zesting? don't waste food!!!
 
jpriddy March 13, 2018
In my home we NEVER peel what can be eaten with peels, and Yukon Golds are so thin-skinned, I can't imagine what anyone would peel them. I am making twice-baked potatoes from russet potatoes with lemon, pepper, garlic, and Mexican oregano using this recipe as inspiration. The skins are the best part!
 
inpatskitchen March 13, 2018
Agree with both of you...hope you enjoy!
 
thi January 24, 2015
Will you share your roasted chicken recipe as well?
 
inpatskitchen January 24, 2015
Here you go:
https://food52.com/recipes/10654-slow-roasted-lemon-chicken
 
loubaby December 9, 2013
When I looked up Cavenders I understand it has MSG in it..which I can't have...here is a copycat recipe for it that got good reviews...without the MSG...2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon dill
1 teaspoon marjoram
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon rosemary
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Combine all ingredients in blender, grind to a fine powder, and store in an airtight container.

 
inpatskitchen December 9, 2013
Sounds good...I just don't taste cinnamon and nutmeg flavors in the Cavenders. The rub for the Slow Roasted Lemon Chicken is very good. Thanks so much for your interest!
 
boulangere January 12, 2012
I can't tell you how often I've made this, Pat, and I fall in love all over again every single time.
 
inpatskitchen January 12, 2012
You're too kind boulangere...thanks so much! We love them too..
 
inpatskitchen October 13, 2011
I'm so glad you enjoyed the dinner Robin O'D! I'm still having issues regarding notifications and just decided to check this recipe to see if you made them
 
Robin O. October 11, 2011
We just finished our dinner of Greek chicken with these great potatoes. It was simply delicious and so easy! Thanks for the help earlier today; it looks like all of my saved recipes are back!
 
HeatherM June 18, 2011
Made these last night - delicious! Thanks.
 
inpatskitchen June 20, 2011
Thank YOU! So glad you enjoyed them!
 
boulangere April 28, 2011
I love these, too, and make them often. The lemon, the olives - oooooh.
 
inpatskitchen April 28, 2011
Thanks boulangere!! And again, Congrats on that beautiful cheesecake!!
 
galsmu April 25, 2011
Made this last night - everyone loved it! The lemon and olives are great together. I will definitely make these potatoes again.
 
inpatskitchen April 28, 2011
I am sooo glad you enjoyed them!! Thank you!
 
healthierkitchen March 21, 2011
these look amazing!
 
inpatskitchen March 21, 2011
Thanks healthierkitchen...they really are good!
 
wssmom March 3, 2011
WooHoo! Prepared this tonight alongside Amanda's Spatchcocked and Braise-Roasted Chicken to RAVE reviews. Even the Spouse, who hates olives, loved it. The directions were so clear and precise, it made it easy.
 
inpatskitchen March 4, 2011
I'm so glad you and the Spouse enjoyed....Thanks!
 
inpatskitchen February 24, 2011
Thanks AppleAnnie for the thumbs up!! We have always enjoyed these..
 
boulangere February 20, 2011
I'm trying this at work tomorrow. Next will be that Greek Chicken - wow!
 
inpatskitchen February 20, 2011
I hope you enjoy!!
 
jessm4 February 11, 2011
nutrional info aside (ha)- this sounds like an awesome dish. full of flavour and punch- finding yummy inspiration like this is what Food52 is all about. It would be perfect along side a piece of blue eyed cod or similar tasting white fish.
 
LuvLatte February 11, 2011
Again, being new to this site, I do not see Nutrional Info for this recipe, an important part in eating healthy.
 
MakeThatMakeThis February 11, 2011
These looks so lovely. Can't wait to try them! Thanks for sharing.
 
inpatskitchen February 9, 2011
I've been writing a little food blog since last Fall...http://www.inpatskitchen.blogspot.com and posted the recipe on October 3, 2010
 
AntoniaJames February 9, 2011
Thanks! So many really nice recipes there, and I just scrolled down the first page! ;o)
 
drbabs February 9, 2011
yum
 
AntoniaJames February 9, 2011
P.S. I could see sprinkling some chopped marcona almonds in as well. My mouth is watering, just reading this recipe!! ;o)
 
AntoniaJames February 9, 2011
Oh my goodness! These look fabulous. How do you prepare the slow-roasted Greek chicken? Do tell! I so want to try this recipe! ;o)
 
inpatskitchen February 9, 2011
Thanks...I stuff a 3 -5 whole chicken with garlic, season the whole thing with lemon, olive oil, and Caveders Greek Seasoning and let it marinate in the fridge for a few hours. Then roast at 250F for about 4.5 hours...raise the heat to 350F and roast another 30 minutes. Really yummy!!!
 
AntoniaJames February 9, 2011
Wow, thanks!! It sounds so good. What is in the Caveders Green Seasoning? I am definitely going to make my next chicken this way, but will probably use preserved lemons, as I have extra left from last winter that I must use (as I make another batch now that this season's Meyers are now ripe!!) ;o) P.S. The next time you make this, you should photograph the cooked bird and post the recipe. I'm sure it would be much appreciated!!
 
drbabs February 9, 2011
Oh, I love Cavender's Greek seasoning--I buy it in New Orleans, but you can definitely get it on line.
http://www.amazon.com/Cavenders-All-Purpose-Greek-Seasoning/dp/B0005ZVON2
 
Blissful B. February 9, 2011
I'm another fan of Cavenders (I have relatives in Arkansas where this spice blend is made, but I think it's now available in most grocery stores).
 
loubaby December 9, 2013
Do you let the chicken stand covered while you raise the heat to cook the potatoes?
 
inpatskitchen December 9, 2013
Yes I do but then I'll put the chicken back in the oven uncovered during the last 10 minutes of roasting the potatoes.