Simply Delicious Potato Wedges

This picture was used in the post 'Potatoes in Tambram cooking' even though it had no relation to it whatsoever, just because I thought these crunchy golden wedges looked so beautiful. And there was the promise for the recipe soon...which I was reminded non stop by my reader turned good friend Subashree. I sent her the recipe per email, but then when Anita poked me on this today, it was time to post it on the blog :)

I have always loved the wedges as against the fries, because they are chunky, the skins turn delicious and crispy and there's no frying involved. Last week, when we were in KL, we ordered a portion of wedges (for want of any other vegetarian options) at the premium coffee house cum diner, Dome and I haven't had them any worse. They were batter fried and cold which made me miss these home-made beauties. Also check here.

These are perfect when you and your spouse want to sack out watching the latest season of Simpsons or Ugly Betty. The day it poured cats and dogs in Bombay, we enjoyed this, with lots of ketchup, even if we had to suffer 'hot-potato-speech'.

We'll 2-3 big sized potatoes for two greedy people. Wash well scrubbing with a brush, because we plan to retain the skins. Bring 2-3 L of water to boil in a large vessel. Once water boils, drop in the whole potatoes and boil for 5-7 minutes, till they are half cooked (that's why not pressure cooking them). Remove and cool. Cut into half length wise and then into thick wedges.

Preheat oven at 200 C.

In a large dish, mix together 2 tbsp sesame seeds, 1/2 tsp red chilli powder / flakes, pinch of turmeric powder for extra golden colour, 1/2 tsp salt, crushed pepper and 2 tbsp olive oil / cooking oil. Transfer the potato wedges onto the dish and coat them evenly with spices.

Cover a baking sheet with foil / parchment paper, place the potato wedges on their bottoms (skin side down), sprinkle a pinch of coarse salt over the wedges. Bake for 15 minutes, until they are golden and crispy on the outside.

Eat as hot as your mouth can take :)

Health note

Oven baking these wedges makes them infinitely healthier than fries. They are chunkier hence more filling than the skinny fries. Keeping the skins on increases the fiber quotient, which is a great nutritional plus point.