Crushed Baby Potatoes With Sardines, Celery and Dill

Crushed Baby Potatoes With Sardines, Celery and Dill

Boiled potatoes are great to keep on hand for out-of-hand snacking and as a quick addition to things like a skillet full of chicken fat or a midday lunch salad, but also excellent as a foil for rich, fatty, tinned fish. In this recipe from “Nothing Fancy” (Clarkson Potter, 2019), the potatoes are crushed because it allows the chunkiness (which lends texture) to coexist with the more broken-up pieces (which lends creaminess). Plus, those exposed craggy edges are here for maximum lemony, scalliony, salty dressing absorption.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound potatoes

    preferably small, waxy potatoes, such as golden creamer or fingerling

  • Kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill or parsley

    plus more for garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or white wine vinegar
    plus more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 4 scallions or spring onions

    white and green parts, or 1 bunch chives, thinly sliced

  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 celery stalks

    thinly sliced on a bias

  • 1 cup celery leaves or tender leaves and stems of fresh parsley
  • 1 tin sardines

    tin anchovy fillets or other fish, torn or cut into bite-size pieces, 4-ounce

Directions

  1. 1

    Boil the potatoes in salted water until they’re completely tender, 10 to 15 minutes, depending on size of the potato. Drain and let sit about 10 minutes or so, until they’re cool enough to crush with your hands or another implement.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, combine the olive oil, 1/4 cup dill, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, lemon zest and half the scallions in a small bowl; season with salt and pepper and more lemon juice to taste, as needed.

  3. 3

    Scatter the potatoes and celery on a large serving platter or in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Spoon the olive oil mixture over.

  4. 4

    Top with the celery leaves, remaining scallions, more dill and more black pepper. Serve with sardines or anchovies alongside or scattered over the top, if desired.

Crushed Baby Potatoes With Sardines, Celery and Dill

Crushed Baby Potatoes With Sardines, Celery and Dill

5.0(549)

Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 549 ratings

cooking.nytimes.com
5.0(549 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Craving a fresh, vibrant meal that transforms humble boiled potatoes into something truly special? This recipe for Crushed Baby Potatoes With Sardines, Celery and Dill delivers an exciting interplay of textures and bright flavors, perfect for any occasion.

This recipe excels by using a clever technique: crushing the potatoes. This isn't just about smashing them; it's about creating diverse textures—some chunky for bite, others more broken for creaminess—and those craggy edges are perfect for soaking up the bright, zesty dressing. It expertly pairs humble potatoes with the rich, savory depth of tinned fish, making for a truly satisfying and well-balanced meal.

You'll be treated to a delightful interplay of textures and flavors. Imagine tender, creamy potatoes with satisfying chunky bits, all brightened by a zesty lemon and dill dressing. The crunch of fresh celery and scallions cuts through the richness of the sardines, while a generous amount of fresh dill or parsley adds an invigorating herbal note, creating a dish that's both comforting and remarkably fresh. This dish is designed to maximize dressing absorption for a burst of flavor in every bite.

Feel free to swap out the sardines for anchovy fillets or another favorite tinned fish, tearing or cutting them into bite-size pieces. If fresh dill isn't your preference, fresh parsley works beautifully, and you can always adjust the tanginess of the dressing with extra lemon juice or white wine vinegar to your liking. The recipe also mentions using chives instead of scallions for a milder onion flavor, or celery leaves or tender parsley stems for an extra layer of green.

Perfect for a light yet satisfying lunch or a vibrant side dish, these crushed potatoes are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a unique appetizer or as part of a larger spread where their fresh flavors can truly shine.

Frequently Asked Questions