These viral smashed potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser

Christmas is just around the corner - and let's be honest, it's not the festive period without potatoes!

No matter how they’re prepared, potatoes are always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

However, this smashed potato recipe by plant-based foodie, Carleigh Bodrug, has gone viral - and we can see why!

They make SUCH a tasty side dish or snack; crispy on the outside, fluffy in the middle, and packed with flavour.

Ingredients:

• 6 large potatoes
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Cracked black pepper, optional, to taste
• Olive oil, a drizzle to taste

Dressing:

• ¼ cup parsley
• ¼ cup corriander
• ½ avocado
• 3 cloves garlic
• ½ cup water
• 2 tbsp raw cashews
• ½ tsp sea salt

Method:

To make the potatoes:

1. In a large pot, add six cups of water and one teaspoon of salt. Add the potatoes, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, and allow the potatoes to cook for 20 to 30 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes, until fork tender.
2. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and preheat the oven to 200C.
3. Drain the water, and place the potatoes on the baking sheet dispersed at least 1 inch apart. Using a butter knife, make a soft slice about halfway through each potato. Then, using the bottom of a cup or a mug, smash each of the potatoes down.
4. Season with salt, garlic powder and pepper as desired. At this time, you can drizzle with olive oil if desired for a more crispy potato, but it’s not necessary.
5. Place in the oven, and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the potatoes are crispy.

To make the dressing:

1. Add all ingredients to a blender and combine until smooth.
2. Enjoy!