Spiced Smashed Baby Potatoes Recipe – Garam Masala & Chaat Masala

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spiced Smashed Baby Potatoes Recipe – Garam Masala & Chaat Masala

Introduction

Oh my goodness, you have to try these! I stumbled upon this recipe a few years ago, and it’s become a total weeknight staple. Seriously, these Spiced Smashed Baby Potatoes are crispy, flavourful, and just… addictive. They’re the perfect little bite of comfort, packed with warm Indian spices. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make – even if you’re not a seasoned chef. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average potatoes. We’re talking crispy edges, fluffy insides, and a vibrant blend of garam masala, chaat masala, and smoked paprika. They’re a fantastic side dish, a fun appetizer, or even a satisfying snack on their own. And honestly, who doesn’t love a potato?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these beauties:

• 24 oz baby potatoes
• 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon coriander powder
• ¼ teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon chaat masala
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ⅛ teaspoon turmeric
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 small lime
• Green onions, to garnish
• Cilantro, to garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk spices! These are what really make this recipe sing.

• Garam Masala: This is a classic North Indian spice blend – usually containing cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and cumin. It adds a lovely warmth and depth of flavour. Every family has their own blend, so the taste can vary slightly!
• Chaat Masala: This is where things get fun. Chaat Masala is a tangy, savoury, and slightly fruity spice blend used to flavour Indian street food (chaat!). It’s got a bit of everything – amchur (dried mango powder), black salt, cumin, and more. It adds a real zing!
• Smoked Paprika: Don’t skip this one! It adds a subtle smokiness that complements the other spices beautifully. It’s not traditionally Indian, but trust me, it works wonders.
• Potatoes: Baby potatoes are ideal because of their size and thin skin. You don’t even need to peel them! Yukon golds or red potatoes also work well.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating up, give those baby potatoes a good wash and scrub.
2. Pop the potatoes into a pot of boiling water and cook for about 18 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. You want them soft enough to smash, but not falling apart.
3. Drain the potatoes and let them cool for about 5 minutes – just enough to handle them comfortably.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, coriander powder, garam masala, chaat masala, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and turmeric. This is your flavour bomb!
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Arrange the potatoes on the sheet and gently smash each one with a fork or the palm of your hand. Don’t go too crazy – you want them to stay intact.
6. Generously brush each smashed potato with the spiced oil mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent burning.
8. Once they’re out of the oven, squeeze fresh lime juice over the top. This brightens everything up!
9. Garnish with chopped cilantro and green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give the potatoes some space so they can get nice and crispy.
• For extra crispiness, you can broil the potatoes for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch them closely!
• If you don’t have parchment paper, a good coating of oil on the baking sheet will prevent sticking.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: My friend Priya loves to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix for an extra kick.
• Herby Goodness: My mom always adds a teaspoon of dried mint to the spice blend. It’s so refreshing!
• Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest in the oil mixture adds a lovely citrusy aroma.

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is naturally vegan! Just make sure any chutneys or dips you serve with it are also vegan-friendly. A vegan sour cream would be delicious.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Spice Level Adjustment (Mild, Medium, Spicy)

• Mild: Reduce the chaat masala to ¼ teaspoon and omit the smoked paprika.
• Medium: Stick to the recipe as written.
• Spicy: Add ¼ – ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili flakes to the spice mix.

Festival Adaptations (Diwali, Holi snack option)

These spiced potatoes are a fantastic snack option for Diwali or Holi! They’re easy to make in large batches and are always a crowd-pleaser.

Serving Suggestions

These potatoes are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas:

• With a dollop of cooling yogurt or vegan sour cream.
• Served alongside a spicy chutney (mango chutney is amazing!).
• As a side dish with dal and rice.
• Simply enjoyed as a snack with ketchup.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

FAQs

What type of potatoes work best for smashed potatoes?

Baby potatoes are ideal, but Yukon golds or red potatoes also work well. The key is to choose a potato that holds its shape well when boiled.

Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?

You can boil and smash the potatoes ahead of time, but I recommend adding the spice mixture and baking them just before serving for the best crispiness.

What is Chaat Masala and where can I find it?

Chaat Masala is a tangy and savoury spice blend used in Indian street food. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores or online.

Can I use a different oil instead of olive oil?

Yes, you can! Avocado oil or coconut oil would also work well.

How can I adjust the spice level of this recipe?

Adjust the amount of chaat masala and add cayenne pepper or chili flakes for extra heat.

What chutneys pair well with these spiced potatoes?

Mango chutney, mint-coriander chutney, or tamarind chutney are all fantastic choices!