You will have to give me the benefit of the doubt with this recipe. The UK is currently experiencing what we call a heatwave, but is probably just our sad, brief excuse for a summer. I am literally sat with the windows open, fanning myself as I write this. Yet somehow I find myself roasting potatoes.
This is where I would like the benefit of the doubt.. because these roast potatoes are maybe my second favourite treatment for a roasted potato. My favourite treatment is parboiled, sprinkled with semolina and roasted in goose fat a la Nigella, but these are vegan(ish) times and the weather is just too hot for gravy. In this weather, I would normally just steam some Pembrokeshire Earlies and toss in some oil. However, as the oven was switched on to make Smoky Quinoa Black Bean Falafel, the potatoes were roasted.
![Diana Henry Roast potatoes with chilli, mint and preserved lemon Simple](https://i0.wp.com/pigleyskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMG_20190711_194758.jpg?resize=800%2C800&ssl=1)
The fresh, middle eastern vibes of the preserved lemon and mint actually go really nicely with the roasted potato, miraculously making them seem like a lighter option. The garlic and chilli add just enough warmth to round off the flavour profile. Diana Henry is a genius – you can always trust the Irish to know how to revolutionise but remain respectful to the humble tatty. I’ll welcome any recipe that makes roast potatoes a viable option in a heatwave. These roast potatoes with chilli, mint and preserved lemon are rooted firmly in the repertoire.
Leftovers – if there are any – make a delicious potato salad for lunch. Maybe add a sprinkle of feta or some savoury granola for added interest.
You can find this incidentally vegan recipe on p.269 of SIMPLE, available here, or Diana actually posted a chilli-less recipe in the Telegraph a few years back, so just add half a teaspoon of chilli flakes half way through roasting.
![Diana Henry Roast potatoes with chilli, mint and preserved lemon](https://i0.wp.com/pigleyskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMG_20190711_195641.jpg?resize=800%2C800&ssl=1)