Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Spiced Chili Oil & Feta Cloud ️

Golden, crunchy smashed potatoes. A silky bed of whipped feta. A bold swirl of aromatic chili oil.
This isn’t just a dish—it’s an experience.

Think of the taste of a buzzing street kitchen crossed with the elegance of a rooftop mezze bar.

️ Ingredients

For the Smashed Potatoes:

• 1 kg baby potatoes (yellow or red-skinned)

• Olive oil, for drizzling

• Salt & freshly ground black pepper

For the Whipped Feta:

• 200 g feta cheese, crumbled

• 100 g Greek yogurt or cream cheese

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Zest of ½ lemon

For the Spiced Chili Oil:

• ½ cup olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

• 1 small shallot, thinly sliced

• 1 star anise

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

• 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to heat preference)

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• Pinch of sugar

• Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Boil & Smash

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add baby potatoes and boil until fork-tender, ~15 minutes.

3. Drain and place on a parchment-lined baking tray.

4. Smash each potato gently using the base of a glass or a fork.

5. Drizzle generously with olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper.

6. Roast at 220°C (425°F) for 25–30 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp.

Step 2: Make the Spiced Chili Oil

1. In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add sliced garlic, shallots, and star anise.

3. Cook gently until golden and aromatic (~3–4 mins).

4. Lower the heat, then stir in:

   • Sesame seeds

   • Chili flakes

   • Smoked paprika

   • Pinch of sugar

   • Salt to taste

5. Simmer for just 1 more minute, then remove from heat.

6. Optional: Strain for a smoother oil, or leave everything in for texture and depth.

Step 3: Whip the Feta

1. In a food processor, combine:

   • Crumbled feta

   • Greek yogurt or cream cheese

   • Olive oil

   • Lemon zest

2. Blend until completely smooth and airy.

   • Tip: Scrape down sides as needed to ensure even blending.

Step 4: Assemble Like a Pro

1. Spread whipped feta generously across a serving platter.

2. Arrange the crispy smashed potatoes over the feta.

3. Drizzle generously with the warm chili oil.

4. Optional garnish: extra sesame seeds, more chili flakes, lemon zest, or microgreens.

Why You’ll Love It

• Heat with elegance: The chili oil is bold, floral, and addictively layered.

• Cloud-like contrast: Creamy feta plays the perfect cool contrast to crispy potatoes.

• Mediterranean magic: Simple ingredients, elevated to a mezze masterpiece.

• Party-perfect: Stunning presentation + universally loved flavors.

Recipe Notes

Optional Add-Ons:

• A soft-boiled egg on top (for brunch style )

• Roasted chickpeas or lentils for crunch

• Swap feta for whipped goat cheese or labneh

This Dish is a Vibe

Once you serve this, be prepared for the “Can you make this again?” every single time.
Perfect for:

• Weekend gatherings

• Mezze platters

• Fancy snack boards

• Midnight indulgence