The key is to boil the potatoes until tender, then smash them enough to create rough edges. Those craggy edges are what turn deeply golden and crisp in the oven.

Ingredients

For the potatoes

• 2.2 pounds potatoes (1 kg), small to medium potatoes work best
• 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

For the yogurt sauce

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced or finely grated
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
• 1/2 cucumber, smashed and finely chopped
• 2 to 3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes

Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt, then bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes depending on size.

Drain well and let them sit for a few minutes so excess moisture can evaporate.

2. Smash and season

Heat your oven to 425°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Arrange the potatoes on the sheet, leaving a little space between them. Use the bottom of a glass, jar, or potato masher to gently press each potato until flattened but still holding together.

Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and black pepper.

3. Roast until crisp

Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the potatoes are deeply golden with crisp edges. If needed, turn the pan once during baking so they brown evenly.

4. Make the yogurt sauce

While the potatoes roast, make the sauce. In a medium bowl, stir together the yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, dill, parsley, and chives.

Smash the cucumber lightly so it breaks down and releases some juice, then chop it into small pieces. Add it to the bowl along with the red onion. Mix well, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Let the sauce sit for 10 minutes if you have time so the flavors can settle.

5. Finish and serve

Once the potatoes are crisp, let them cool for 2 to 3 minutes. Add them to a large bowl, spoon over some of the yogurt sauce, and toss gently so the potatoes stay mostly intact.

Serve right away with extra sauce on the side.

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Notes

• Small potatoes usually work best because they hold their shape well and crisp nicely.
• Do not skip letting the potatoes dry slightly after boiling. Less moisture means better browning.
• Smashing the cucumber instead of just dicing it gives the sauce a fresher, crispier and more relaxed texture and helps it absorb the lemon, garlic, and herbs better.
• For the best texture, do not toss the potatoes too aggressively once they are crisp.