Smoked Fingerling Potatoes with Lemon and Parmesan

Smoked Fingerling Potatoes with Lemon and Parmesan is a dish that eloquently speaks the language of texture and taste, marrying the earthy essence of fingerling potatoes with the sophisticated flavors of smoke, citrus, and cheese. This culinary delight begins with carefully selected fingerling potatoes, cherished for their buttery texture and inherently sweet flavor, which make them the perfect canvas for the flavors to follow. Each potato is gently tossed in extra virgin olive oil, and seasoned with salt, ground black pepper, and a whisper of dried thyme, before being introduced to the smoker, where the magic begins.

As the potatoes slowly cook in the gentle embrace of smoke, they transform. The smoke, acting as both a flavoring agent and a cooking medium, imbues the potatoes with a complex aroma and taste, reminiscent of open fires and the great outdoors. This smokiness is the soul of the dish, lending the potatoes a depth that roasting or boiling could never achieve. The choice of wood chips—be it apple, cherry, or hickory—further nuances this flavor, allowing the chef to subtly influence the dish’s final taste profile.

The genius of Smoked Fingerling Potatoes with Lemon and Parmesan lies not just in the smoking process but in the finishing touches. Once smoked to perfection, each potato becomes a vessel for the bright, invigorating zest of lemon. This zest, freshly grated over the warm potatoes, cuts through the smokiness with its citrusy tang, lifting the dish to new heights. The lemon doesn’t just add flavor; it introduces a burst of color, making the dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.

The final flourish, a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese, is where the dish finds its balance. The Parmesan, with its salty, nutty qualities, melts slightly on contact, creating a velvety layer that clings to the potatoes. This cheese doesn’t just add flavor; it adds texture, transforming each bite into an experience that’s as rich and complex as it is comforting. The Parmesan’s umami quality pairs beautifully with the smoky potatoes and the sharpness of the lemon, ensuring that each mouthful is harmonious and satisfying.

Yet, Smoked Fingerling Potatoes with Lemon and Parmesan is more than the sum of its parts. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients, thoughtfully prepared. It showcases how a few well-chosen flavors can come together to create a dish that’s both rustic and refined. This dish is an exploration of flavors and techniques, from the ancient practice of smoking to the modern penchant for bright, fresh finishes.

Ideal for a range of occasions, from casual barbecues to elegant dinner parties, this dish pairs beautifully with a variety of mains, offering a versatile side that’s as at home next to a grilled steak as it is beside a delicate piece of fish. It invites diners to explore the depth of smoky flavors, the freshness of lemon, and the richness of Parmesan, making Smoked Fingerling Potatoes with Lemon and Parmesan a memorable addition to any meal.

Smoked Fingerling Potatoes with Lemon and Parmesan pairs especially well with a Smoked Sirloin Tip Roast with Red Wine Shallot Reduction. This pairing offers a harmonious blend of smoky and earthy flavors complemented by the bright zest of lemon and the umami of Parmesan. The tangy, savory notes of the lemon and Parmesan elegantly cut through the richness of the sirloin and are beautifully balanced by the depth and sweetness of the red wine shallot reduction, creating a sophisticated, multi-layered dining experience.

Smoked Fingerling Potatoes with Lemon and Parmesan

Recipe by Kyle Taylor

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: SidesCuisine: New AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

50

minutes

Total time

2

hours 

Smoked Fingerling Potatoes with Lemon and Parmesan artfully combines the deep, earthy flavors of smoked potatoes with the bright zest of lemon and the rich umami of Parmesan for a sophisticated, flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fingerling potatoes

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon salt

• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon dried thyme

• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest, freshly grated

Directions

• Preheat Your Smoker:
  Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Choose a mild wood like apple or cherry for a subtly sweet smoke that complements the potatoes without overpowering them.
• Prepare the Potatoes:
  Toss the fingerling potatoes with extra virgin olive oil, salt, ground black pepper, and dried thyme until they’re evenly coated.
• Smoke the Potatoes:
  Place the potatoes on the smoker’s grate, ensuring they’re not touching for even smoking. Smoke the potatoes for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until they’re tender and have absorbed a nice smoky flavor. The exact time may vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the consistency of your smoker’s temperature.
• Garnish and Serve:
  Once the potatoes are smoked and cooked thoroughly, transfer them to a serving dish. While they’re still warm, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top so it melts slightly. Finish with a generous zest of lemon over the potatoes for a burst of freshness.
  
  For an extra touch of flavor, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs can be added just before serving.