Tarragon Potatoes
Tender red potatoes are subtly peeled and coated with a fragrant tarragon butter mixture, making a flavorful side perfect for family dinners or elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Using a vegetable peeler, peel away just enough skin from the circumference of each potato to form a stripe.
- Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium; partially cover and cook potatoes for 25 minutes or until tender.
- Drain the potatoes.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine softened butter, minced shallots, minced fresh tarragon, salt, and ground black pepper to make a paste.
- Add warm potatoes to the bowl with the butter mixture.
- Toss ingredients gently until seasonings are evenly distributed.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like parsley or chives in addition to tarragon. If you can't find small red potatoes, new potatoes or fingerlings work well too. To save time, you can prepare the herb butter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure to toss the potatoes gently to avoid breaking them.
Serving Suggestions
These tarragon potatoes make a delightful side dish for grilled meats or roasted chicken. They pair beautifully with Baked Cheese Grits for a comforting meal. Consider serving them alongside a fresh salad, such as Easter Bunny Salad, to balance the richness of the butter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the potatoes in a skillet over medium heat with a little bit of butter, stirring gently until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but be cautious not to overcook and dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tarragon Potatoes contains roughly 622 calories, with 22g protein, 144g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (103% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value), and iron (64% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 29g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried tarragon instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried tarragon if fresh is not available. However, use about one-third the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated. Add them to the butter mixture early to help release their flavors, adjusting to taste.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this dish vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan margarine or olive oil. Ensure that the other ingredients, like shallots and seasonings, are also vegan-friendly. The dish will retain its delightful flavor with these substitutions.
What can I serve with tarragon potatoes?
Tarragon potatoes pair well with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a hearty steak. You might also enjoy them alongside a fresh vegetable medley or a creamy dip. For a complete meal, consider adding a light dessert like Fig Squares to balance the flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).