Arugula Pesto Rigatoni with Parmesan & Pine Nuts

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Arugula Pesto Rigatoni with Parmesan & Pine Nuts

Description

4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, toss the potato wedges with olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Roast for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy on its own!
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 35 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes Kcal: 250 per serving Servings: 4 servings

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions for perfect feta-topped potato wedges every time.

  1. Prep the Potatoes: After peeling, cut each potato lengthwise into quarters, then cut each quarter into 2-3 wedges for even cooking.
  2. Season Thoroughly: In your large bowl, add the oil and spices first, mix them, then add the potatoes. This ensures the seasoning distributes evenly before coating the wedges.
  3. Arrange for Crispiness: When spreading on the baking sheet, ensure no wedges are touching. This allows hot air to circulate, creating an all-over crispy exterior.
  4. Monitor the Roast: At the 15-minute mark, use a spatula to carefully flip each wedge. They should be starting to brown. Roast until deeply golden and fork-tender.
  5. The Finishing Touch: Add the feta, parsley, lemon juice, and zest immediately after removing the tray from the oven. The residual heat will slightly soften the feta and wake up the lemon flavors.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile wedges can be the star or a supporting player. Serve them as a hearty side to grilled chicken, lamb burgers, or baked fish. For a vegetarian feast, pair with a Greek salad, tzatziki, and warm pita bread. They also make a fantastic, shareable appetizer with a side of garlicky yogurt or spicy harissa mayo for dipping.

How-to Summary

Cut potatoes into wedges, toss with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes until crispy. Finish with crumbled feta, fresh parsley, lemon juice, and zest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of potato? Yes. Russets are classic for crispiness, but Yukon Golds offer a creamier interior. Avoid very waxy potatoes like red bliss, as they won’t get as fluffy inside.

How do I make them extra crispy? Soak the cut wedges in cold water for 30 minutes before drying and seasoning. This removes excess starch. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated.

Can I prepare these ahead of time? You can cut and soak the potatoes ahead, but season and roast just before serving. Leftovers can be reheated in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.

What’s a good feta cheese substitute? For a similar salty, tangy profile, try crumbled goat cheese (chèvre) or ricotta salata. For a dairy-free option, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast with a pinch of salt can mimic the savory note.

Is the lemon zest necessary? Highly recommended. The zest contains aromatic oils that provide a brighter, more complex lemon flavor than the juice alone, lifting the richness of the potatoes and feta.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Crowding the Pan: Overlapping wedges steam instead of roast, resulting in soggy potatoes. Use two trays if needed.
  • Skipping the Flip: Not flipping halfway through leads to uneven browning and crispiness on only one side.
  • Using Pre-Crumbled Feta: It often contains anti-caking agents and is drier. For the best flavor and texture, buy a block and crumble it yourself.
  • Adding Cheese Too Early: Sprinkling feta before or during roasting will cause it to melt away and burn. Always add it after cooking.

Conclusion

These Lemon-Herb Roasted Potato Wedges with Feta transform simple ingredients into a spectacular dish. The method is straightforward, but paying attention to spacing during roasting and the timing of the finishing touches makes all the difference. Crispy, herby, tangy, and savory, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as suitable for a weeknight dinner as it is for entertaining guests.