Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Herbed Yogurt and Sumac is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines golden, roasted baby potatoes with a cool, tangy yogurt sauce and bold Middle Eastern toppings. With a balance of textures and zesty aromas, this dish is perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, elegant side, or vegetarian centerpiece.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A visually striking dish with vibrant garnishes
• Perfect balance of crispy, creamy, tangy, and sweet
• Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
• Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free
• Great for dinner parties, potlucks, or casual weeknight meals
• Can be served warm or at room temperature

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

baby potatoes
olive oil
salt and black pepper

For the Herbed Yogurt Sauce:
Greek yogurt
fresh parsley, chopped
fresh dill, chopped
garlic, minced
lemon zest
lemon juice
salt and pepper

Toppings:
dried currants or barberries
ground sumac
fresh parsley leaves (for garnish)
extra lemon zest (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Boil the baby potatoes in salted water for about 15 minutes, or until fork tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
3. Transfer the potatoes to the prepared baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently smash each one flat.
4. Drizzle the smashed potatoes with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
5. Roast in the oven for 30–35 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
6. While the potatoes roast, combine all the herbed yogurt ingredients in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
7. Arrange the crispy potatoes on a serving platter. Spoon the herbed yogurt over the top.
8. Sprinkle with sumac, dried currants, lemon zest, and garnish with fresh parsley leaves. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people as a side dish or appetizer.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Use sweet potatoes for a richer, earthier flavor.
• Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese for added richness.
• Add pomegranate seeds instead of currants for a juicy pop.
• Swap Greek yogurt with labneh or plant-based yogurt to fit dietary needs.
• Drizzle with tahini or pomegranate molasses for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until warmed and crisp.
The herbed yogurt sauce should be stored separately and used cold or at room temperature. Stir well before serving again.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes. You can boil and smash the potatoes in advance. Roast and garnish just before serving.

What is sumac and where can I find it?

Sumac is a tangy Middle Eastern spice made from dried berries. It’s available in international or specialty spice shops.

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, just cut them into smaller chunks before boiling and smashing.

What can I substitute for dill?

You can use mint, cilantro, or chives for a different herbaceous flavor.

Is this dish suitable for vegans?

Substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and ensure all toppings are vegan-friendly.

Can I air fry the potatoes instead of roasting them?

Yes. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–20 minutes, flipping once, until crisp.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

No, the skins help hold the shape and get extra crispy.

Are currants necessary?

They add sweetness and contrast, but you can omit or replace with chopped dried cranberries or raisins.

Can I serve this cold?

Yes, it can be served at room temperature, though the potatoes are best when freshly roasted.

What main dishes pair well with this?

This pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or Middle Eastern dishes like kebabs and tabbouleh.

Conclusion

Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Herbed Yogurt and Sumac is a stunning and flavorful dish that combines comfort food with elegant presentation. Whether served as a starter, side, or even a light meal, it offers a vibrant combination of textures and tastes that will elevate any table. This is a versatile recipe you’ll want to revisit all year round.

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