It’s no secret that I love lemons, but did you know I even like lemon juice on my french fries? Just hear me out on this one. One of my favorite Greek carryout restaurants serves their french fries topped with feta cheese, oregano and lemon juice. It sounded strange to me at first, but as soon as I tried it, I was hooked.
There’s a reason that your taste buds traditionally crave ketchup with fries – the acid in the tomatoes perfectly cuts through the fat and salt of the fries, making you want to go back for another bite. The same can (maybe) be said of the tangy buttermilk in ranch dressing, for those who love that on their fries. But lemon juice is really where it’s at for me with fries right now. Promise me you’ll give it a try. I think you’ll love it.
Today, I’m translating the same flavor combination of potato + lemon + feta + oregano into a holiday-perfect side dish. Serving lamb for your holiday dinner? These Greek Mashed Potatoes want to be on your table with that lamb. Or beef. Or turkey. Or chicken. Just get these potatoes onto that table!
This deliciousness starts with one and a half pounds of Idaho® potatoes and some garlic. Mashed potatoes made with Idaho® potatoes will have a taste that’s unequalled, and will hold up better than the competition, even when overmixed. Just boil until the potatoes are tender, then you’re going to drain and mash, along with some Greek yogurt, milk, butter and salt and pepper. Then, grab a spatula and fold in some feta cheese, fresh oregano, and lemon juice and zest. Then garnish with a little more cheese, because . . . cheese.
To be sure you’re getting genuine, top-quality Idaho Potatoes, look for the “Grown In Idaho” seal. Also, please connect with Idaho® Potatoes on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
Place garlic and potatoes in large pot and add just enough water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook 15 to 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
When potatoes are tender, drain well and place in large bowl (including garlic cloves). Add yogurt, milk, butter, salt and pepper; beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Fold in cheese, lemon juice, oregano and lemon zest.
Home Chef Tip: There's lot of ways to mash or whip potatoes, but we used an electric mixer in culinary school for the smoothest, creamiest texture. Just make sure not to overmix! Be sure to get the yogurt, milk, butter, salt and pepper into the mixer with the drained potatoes before you start mixing, so you can limit your mixing time. Then, use just a spatula to fold in the lemon juice, oregano and lemon zest.
Disclosure: This was a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Idaho® Potatoes. Sponsored posts help me pay for the costs associated with this blog (groceries…lots of groceries), and help support me as I pursue a career in recipe development and food photography. All opinions are 100% my own.
Fries dipped in ranch is awesome, btw 😉 Love the Greek twist on mashed potatoes!
You and my husband can have a ranch-with-fries party. I’ll be in the corner with my lemon wedges. haha.
Mashed potatoes are nothing special to me. Except I’ll bet these would be! I love lemon and feta (especially sheep or goat feta) and the idea of lemon and feta on French fries sounds delectable. I think these mashed potatoes would be good with grilled lamb chops – your herb-crusted ones, or with za’atar… I’m getting hungry just thinking about that!
Soooo much yes to all of this, I LOVE Greek food and now I got me some Greek comfort food right here!
I love feta so this is right up my alley. Yum!
Oh my goodness YES! Greek fries are the best, I can’t believe I never thought to convert it to mashed potatoes. I can’t wait to try these!
Woot woot! Greek ‘taters for the win!
Now you have me craving lamb and this gorgeous plate of flavorful mashed potatoes. Love these!
What do you mean, he don’t eat no meat? It’s OK, I make lamb. And Greek mashed potatoes.
I’ve been to a few places that do Greek fries too and I love them so much! That salty feta works perfectly with the fries. Since there’s always feta in my fridge (and lemons) and potatoes at home, I need to try this!
Thanks Susan! Feta + potatoes + lemons are always on hand in my house, too!
Feta + lemon can make anything delicious, so when you’re starting with something as good as mashed potatoes you know you’ll end up with a winning recipe!
So glad you liked the, Anne. Have a great weekend!