Steamed New Potatoes with Herbs
Tender, fluffy new potatoes steamed to perfection and tossed with fresh herbs, unsalted butter, and a hint of bright lemon. A simple, elegant side dish ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for any meal.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Potatoes (5 minutes)
- b.Thoroughly scrub the new potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt. Do not peel them, as the skins are thin and nutritious.
- c.For even cooking, ensure all potatoes are a similar size. Cut any potatoes larger than 1.5 inches in diameter in half or quarters.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Steam the Potatoes (15-20 minutes)
- b.Pour about 1-2 inches of water into a large pot or saucepan. Place a steamer basket inside, ensuring the water level is below the basket.
- c.Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- d.Carefully place the prepared potatoes in the steamer basket in a single layer. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
- e.Reduce the heat to medium and steam for 15-20 minutes. Check for doneness at the 15-minute mark by piercing a potato with a fork; it should slide in easily with little resistance.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Herb Butter (3 minutes)
- b.While the potatoes are steaming, combine the melted unsalted butter, finely chopped parsley, finely chopped chives, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a large mixing bowl (large enough to hold all the potatoes).
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Serve (2 minutes)
- b.Once the potatoes are tender, carefully remove the steamer basket from the pot. Let any excess steam escape.
- c.Transfer the hot potatoes directly into the bowl with the herb butter.
- d.Drizzle with the fresh lemon juice.
- e.Gently toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- f.Serve immediately while warm.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For even cooking, it's crucial that all potato pieces are roughly the same size.
- 2Avoid overcooking the potatoes, as they can become watery and fall apart. Start checking for doneness early.
- 3Use the freshest herbs possible for the best flavor. The aroma of fresh parsley and chives makes a big difference.
- 4For a richer flavor, you can brown the butter slightly in a saucepan before adding the herbs. This creates a nutty 'beurre noisette'.
- 5To make this dish ahead, steam the potatoes and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat them and then toss with the freshly made herb butter.
Adapt it for your goals.
Garlic Herb Potatoes
Add 1-2 cloves of finely minced garlic to the melted butter for an aromatic kick.
Spicy PotatoesSpicy Potatoes
Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the herb butter for a touch of heat.
Dairy Free / Vegan VersionDairy-Free / Vegan Version
Substitute the unsalted butter with a high-quality olive oil or your favorite plant-based butter.
Different HerbsDifferent Herbs
Experiment with other fresh herbs like dill, tarragon, rosemary, or thyme for a different flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Potassium
Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure, fluid balance, and muscle contractions.
Good Source of Vitamin C
New potatoes, especially with their skins, provide a significant amount of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health.
Promotes Gut Health
The fiber in potato skins acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial bacteria in your gut. Steamed potatoes also contain resistant starch when cooled, which further supports digestive health.
Nutrient-Preserving Cooking
Steaming is one of the best cooking methods for preserving water-soluble vitamins, like Vitamin C and B vitamins, which can be lost when boiling.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this dish is quite healthy. Steaming is a low-fat cooking method that helps retain the potatoes' nutrients. New potatoes are a good source of Vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, especially with the skin on. To make it even healthier, you can reduce the amount of butter or substitute it with olive oil.