| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 368 | 11.32g | 7.15g | 63.46g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2.86g | 4.56g | 6.99g | 0.39g |
I’ve got real affection for our rich and heartwarming concoction of Baked Potatoes with Wild Thyme Butter. Stirring up memories of my childhood in Atlanta along with the subtle flair of my Nigerian heritage, this dish represents so much of who I am, and how I see food. It’s an exciting blend that captures the heft and warmth of Southern home cooking, and embraces the robust and zingy nuances from West Africa.
Afro-Southern Fusion at Its Finest
In many respects, this dish exemplifies my love for Afro-Southern fusion. It merges comforting, humble potatoes with a luscious slathering of wild thyme butter, echoing both the humble character of Southern dishes and the aromatic zeal seen in West African cuisine. Not only does it satiate your hunger, but it also invites you on a sensory journey across continents.
It’s somewhat reminiscent of Nigerian fried potatoes but revived with a Southern twist, thanks to the wild thyme butter. Also, it pairs wonderfully with Southern Fried Chicken. It’s incredible how the creamy smoothness of our thyme buttered potatoes can calm the lip-smacking spice of the chicken.
A Perfect Blend of Health and Taste
And it’s not just about taste; this Baked Potatoes with Wild Thyme Butter recipe harbors some hidden health benefits too. The potatoes are highly nutritious, being a great source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, thyme – one of the key ingredients here – is not merely a fragrant herb. It’s packed with vitamin C and is even known for its antibacterial properties.
But perhaps the charm of this recipe lies not just in the taste or the health benefits. It’s in the memories it brings, the fusion it embodies, and the love with which it’s prepared. It echoes the warmth of my Southern upbringing, underpinned with the rhythm of my Nigerian roots.
Whether you’re exploring Afro-Southern fusion for the first time or are a long-time connoisseur, one thing’s for sure: this dish will make your meal an experience to remember.
What You’ll Need
- 6 medium-size russet potatoes
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons of fresh wild thyme, minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Extra virgin olive oil for brushing
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
Step Two
Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Prick the potatoes all over with a fork and brush them with extra virgin olive oil. This will help to crisp up the skin during baking.
Step Three
Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
Step Four
While the potatoes are baking, prepare the wild thyme butter. To do this, combine the softened unsalted butter, minced fresh wild thyme, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a bowl. Stir well to more thoroughly blend the ingredients.
Step Five
Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and cut a small slit in the top of each one. Be careful, as the potatoes and the steam inside them are very hot!
Step Six
Spoon a generous amount of the prepared wild thyme butter into each potato. The heat from the potatoes should melt the butter, allowing it to mix with the flaky inside of the potato.
Step Seven
Let the potatoes sit for a few minutes to allow the butter to fully melt and the flavors to meld. Then they are ready to serve and enjoy!
