Accordion Baked Potatoes

Accordion baked potatoes (or Hasselback potatoes, named after the Swedish restaurant where they were first served) are a delicious and very showy dish. Here is the recipe to prepare them in Italian style:

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized potatoes, preferably of a floury type
• 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Herbs to taste (rosemary, thyme, oregano)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Small cubes of butter (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 220 °C.
2. Wash and dry the potatoes. Slice them accordion style, being careful not to cut them completely: leave about 0.5 cm uncut at the bottom. You can use two kitchen spoons placed on either side of the potato to avoid cutting through.
3. In a bowl, mix the olive oil with the chopped garlic, the selected herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush the potatoes with the olive oil and herb mixture, making sure it penetrates well into the slits.
5. If you wish, insert small cubes of butter between the potato slices and sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
6. Bake on a baking tray lined with parchment paper for about 60-70 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
7. Serve the potatoes hot, perhaps with an additional sprinkling of Parmesan.

Note that you can vary the herbs or add spices like paprika for a different taste. Accordion potatoes are versatile and pair well with various sides and condiments.

Curiosity

Hasselback potatoes can be considered an international dish with an Italian touch thanks to the use of extra virgin olive oil, typically Mediterranean herbs, and Parmesan, one of the most representative cheeses of Italian cuisine.