Name: Torn Potatoes With Chile-Lime Butter
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 10–12 servings
Ingredients: 1 serrano chile, coarsely chopped, seeds removed if desired; 2 cups cilantro leaves with tender stems (about 1 bunch); 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature; 2 tsp. finely grated lime zest; 2 tsp. kosher salt; 5 lb. potatoes of mixed colors and similar sizes (such as sweet, purple sweet, russet, and/or Yukon Gold), scrubbed; 1 ½ cups pomegranate arils (from 2 pomegranates); Lime wedges and flaky sea salt (for serving)

Torn potatoes with cilantro butter and pomegranate seeds in a large bowl.

Photo by Joseph De Leo, Prop Styling by Sophie Strangio, Food Styling by Monica Pierini. Salad Bowl Courtesy of Heath Ceramics.

Sure, you could use just one kind of potato for this side dish, but we think the more, the better. Look for different varieties of potatoes that are around the same size for even roasting. Once roasted, tear them into pieces, dot them with a make-ahead cilantro, lime, and chile compound butter, and scatter pomegranate seeds over—and you may never want to serve sweet potato casserole again.

Recipe information

Total Time
2 hours 30 minutes
Yield
10–12 servings

Ingredients

1 serrano chile, coarsely chopped, seeds removed if desired

2 cups cilantro leaves with tender stems (about 1 bunch)

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

2 tsp. finely grated lime zest

2 tsp. kosher salt

5 lb. potatoes of mixed colors and similar sizes (such as sweet, purple sweet, russet, and/or Yukon Gold), scrubbed

1 ½ cups pomegranate arils (from 2 pomegranates)

Lime wedges and flaky sea salt (for serving)

Preparation

Step 1
Pulse chile and cilantro in a food processor until finely chopped. Add butter, lime zest, and kosher salt and pulse until smooth. Transfer to a sheet of parchment paper and roll into a 6"-long log. Chill until firm, at least 2 hours and up to 3 days.
Step 2
Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange potatoes in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet and cover tightly with foil. Roast 40 minutes. Remove foil (save for later!), turn potatoes, and continue to roast, uncovered, until largest potato is very tender when pierced with a paring knife or fork, 20–30 minutes.
Step 3
Unwrap chile-lime butter and thinly slice crosswise. Using two forks, tear potatoes (including skins) into 3"–4" pieces. Transfer to a large (preferably warmed) platter. Using your hands, crumble and scatter butter over potatoes (yes, use all of the butter). Cover with reserved foil and let sit until butter is mostly melted, 3–4 minutes. Top with pomegranate arils, squeeze lime juice over, and sprinkle with sea salt.

Recipe notes

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