Cajun Spiced Smashed Potatoes

Prepare your taste buds for a burst of deliciousness with these Cajun seasoned smashed potatoes! These crisp and creamy spuds pack a punch with their bold, spicy flavors that will leave you wanting more. So delectable, they’re sure to become a staple in your household in no time. Give them a try, we promise you won’t be disappointed!

ABOUT THIS RECIPE

Cajun spiced smashed potatoes are made by boiling potatoes until they are soft, then smashing them and seasoning them with a homemade blend of Cajun spices. The result is a creamy, flavorful, and slightly crispy side dish that pairs well with various main dishes. The Cajun spices give the potatoes a bold and spicy kick, while the garlic and Italian seasoning add depth and complexity to the flavor. These smashed potatoes are an excellent option for anyone looking to add excitement to their mealtime routine.

NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS

Smashed potatoes with Cajun spices are a great way to get fiber, vitamin B6, and potassium. They also give you minerals like copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc that your body needs. Cajun spices make this recipe taste better and give you an extra dose of antioxidants.

INGREDIENTS

• Potatoes: A staple in many cuisines because they are starchy root vegetables. You can boil them, bake them, fry them, or mash them. 

• Cajun seasoning: A blend of spices commonly used in Cajun and Creole cuisine, often made with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

• Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs commonly used in Italian cuisine, often made with basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram.

• Chili flakes: Dried, crushed red pepper flakes makes food spicy. 

• Paprika: A powder made from ground sweet or hot red peppers, used primarily as a color and mild flavor enhancer.

• Freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground peppercorns add flavor and a spicy kick to dishes.

• Olive oil: Oil made from olives, commonly used in cooking and as a salad dressing. It is high in healthy monounsaturated fats.

• Coriander leaves: Also known as cilantro, the leaves of the coriander plant are commonly used as a garnish and in cooking, adding a fresh and herbaceous flavor to dishes.

SERVING SUGGESTION

It’s a versatile side dish that goes well with a wide range of meats and seafood. The chopped coriander leaves are a nice touch if you serve them as appetizers. It’s perfect for a potluck or barbecue as a side dish. It’s simple enough to serve as a weekday dinner or lunch dish.

Cajun Spiced Smashed Potatoes

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Recipe by Shahnaz Course: SidesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Beginner

Servings

2

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Calories

200

kcal

“Spice up your sides with this Cajun-seasoned, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside smashed potatoes.”

Ingredients

• 500 grams 500 Potatoes

• 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 Cajun seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 Red pepper flakes

• 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 Paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 Freshly ground black pepper

• 2 tablespoon 2 Olive oil

• 2 tablespoon 2 Chopped coriander leaves for garnish

Directions

• Bring a pot of water to a boil and add salt. Cook potatoes until they are soft, which should take about 20 to 25 minutes for small ones. 

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• Drain the potatoes and let them dry in the bowl for a minute or so. 

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• Use a potato masher or any other flat-bottomed utensil to gently press down on the potatoes, keeping them in one piece. (I’ve used a milk-frothing pitcher to do this step.)

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• Mix Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and olive oil in a small bowl. Brush the spice blend on top of the smashed potatoes.

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• Gently place the smashed potatoes in the tray of the air fryer. Bake it for 10 minutes at 200°C, flip it, and then again bake it for 5 minutes or until they are crispy on the outside and golden brown.
  
  Notes: Spray some oil in the tray of the air fryer to prevent sticking. 

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• Serve hot, and garnish with herbs like coriander leaves and mayonnaise. Enjoy!

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Notes

• Be sure to give the potatoes enough space in the air fryer basket to ensure they cook evenly.
• You can adjust the cooking time and temperature depending on the size and quantity of your potatoes.
• Flatten the potatoes before putting them back in the air fryer for a more crispy texture. For a fluffier texture, leave them thicker.
• You can add butter or sour cream as a topping for added flavor and creaminess.
• Adjust the quantity of the red pepper flakes according to your preference for spice level.

VARIATIONS

1. Mix in some grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor.
2. Add some chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fresh taste.
3. Mix in some sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
4. Add some diced jalapeño peppers for a spicy kick.
5. Mix in some diced avocado or guacamole for a creamy, healthy twist.
6. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, herbs, and lemon juice for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
7. Mix in some diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for a southwestern-inspired recipe.
8. Mix diced ham, green onions, and cheese for a loaded potato dish.
9. Mix in some diced pineapple for a sweet and spicy dish.

You can also get creative with your seasonings, try different spice blends or herbs and adjust the amount of each ingredient to your taste preference.