These boiled potatoes, with olive oil and fresh herbs, couldn't be simpler, but the flavors will convince you to make this side dish over and over again.
These boiled potatoes are straight out of my mum's playbook, and it's always amazing to me how something so simple can taste so good. Serve them alongside oven baked chicken breast or baked tilapia for an easy meal.
When I was a kid, small new potatoes or fingerling potatoes often turned into a simple side dish. My mum would boil the potatoes, then toss them with butter, chopped parsley and salt. I made a couple of changes to make these potatoes a little healthier (plus vegan and dairy-free).
It’s the perfect sidekick for grilled fish or stuffed portobello mushrooms…the Abbott to the entree’s Costello. The John to its Ono. You get the picture.
MAKING HEALTHY BOILED POTATOES:
I ditched the butter and replaced it with extra-virgin olive oil – a good fruity one. I first made this recipe in the summertime when our herb garden was exploding, and the mint and basil practically begged to be invited to the party. In they went!
The prep time was no more than five minutes (scrub potatoes, chop herbs…done) and the hardest part was waiting for the potatoes to cook.
Thanks to my younger son (okay, and me), half of the potatoes were gone in five minutes flat. The leftovers ended up in my husband’s salad for today’s lunch. We will be making these over and over again!
How to boil potatoes:
- Boiled potato recipes may not seem the most exciting option, but when cooked to perfection and seasoned properly, they are a surprisingly satisfying (and easy!) side dish option.
- If using tender, small potatoes, it isn't necessary to peel or even cut the potatoes. If using larger potatoes, such as russets, peel them and cut into evenly sized pieces so that they cook evenly.
- Start by placing the potatoes in a large saucepan and covering with cold water by about an inch. Season the water well with kosher salt.
- Bring the water to a boil, then cook the potatoes until they are tender when pierced with a fork. For fingerlings or boiled red potatoes (small ones), this should take 15 to 20 minutes. Take care not to overcook the potatoes, otherwise they will start to fall apart.
Other easy potato recipes:
Caprese Potato Salmon Foil Packets {Cookin’ Canuck}
Buffalo Grilled Potato Skewers {Cookin’ Canuck}
Baked Potato Bites {Cook the Story}
Boiled Potatoes with Olive Oil, Basil & Mint Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound small yellow potatoes, such as fingerlings
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 teaspoon sea salt
- 4 mint leaves thinly sliced
- 4 basil leaves thinly sliced
Instructions
- Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water by an inch. Bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender, but not falling apart, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain.
- Transfer the potatoes to a bowl and toss with the olive oil, sea salt, mint and basil.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on July 23, 2014, and was updated on July 23, 2020.
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Beth
These look delicious! I could eat them as a meal,eh?! Great post my fellow Canuck 😉
Ashley
This side dish is great for when I'm looking for something easy and only a few ingredients! I will be making these often for dinner.
Vanessa @ VeganFamilyRecipes
I love the simplicity of this recipe and adding mint is brilliant! Thanks for this...Pinning!
Frank @Memorie di Angelina
This kind of simple goodness is right up my alley, Dara!
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen
Dara these are simple gorgeous. The perfect comfort food!
Thalia @ butter and brioche
these potatoes look divine.. definitely a great side accompaniment. saving the recipe to recreate in my kitchen.. love it!
Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens
Beautifully simple! I have mint and basil bursting from my herb pot on the deck - what a wonderful way to combine them! Never would have thought to add the mint, but what a refreshing summery little addition! Mmmmmmm ... pinning!! 😀
Olena@iFOODreal
Um, there is nothing better than boiled young potatoes with butter, dill and salt. My childhood dish! Any oil or butter or herbs work, true. Love it! So simple and tasty! I would always mash them to soak up the butter or oil. Adding sesame oil tastes amazeballs too. Love dark pictures, Dara!
Jenny @ The Peachy Pair
Sometimes the simplest things are the best things! Looks tasty!
becky
I just had some potatoes similar to this at a friend's house and I thought, why don't I make more potatoes?!! I guess I have forgotten about them! You're right, they are simple and the perfect side dish.
Amanda
Love this, definitely making it as a side to salmon soon 🙂
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
We made potatoes like this growing up too! Minus the mint...but that just makes it even better!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness
New potatoes are my favorite! I just so happen to have about a million (read: one bag) in my pantry right now. I would have NEVER added mint to them, but that sounds divine. Of course, I may have to throw the leftovers in a mojito! 😉 Pinned!