Gusto TV Lemon Garlic Rostis - Easy and Flavorful Potato Delights - Gusto TV

Lemon Garlic Rostis

Crispy Lemon Garlic Rostis are a simple, flavorful twist on a classic potato favorite. These golden, crunchy potato cakes are infused with fresh garlic, bright lemon zest, and aromatic scallions, making them a standout side dish for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Featured on Everyday Excellent and hosted by Vanessa Gianfrancesco, this recipe demonstrates how a few basic ingredients can transform humble Russet potatoes into a crispy, golden delight in just 10 minutes of cooking time.

These rostis are all about texture and flavor contrast. The potatoes are grated and squeezed to remove excess water, ensuring each rosti crisps beautifully on the outside while remaining tender inside. The lemon zest adds a bright, refreshing note, while garlic and scallions give aromatic depth. A light sprinkle of parsley finishes the dish with color and subtle herbaceous flavor, making this a visually appealing and irresistible side.

The Inspiration

Rostis are a traditional Swiss dish, often served as a side for breakfast or alongside meats. They are essentially grated potatoes pan-fried to perfection, creating a crisp exterior and soft, tender interior. What makes this version special is the lemon-garlic infusion, which adds a modern, vibrant twist to a classic comfort food.

Vanessa Gianfrancesco’s take on rostis emphasizes simplicity, speed, and flavor. Many traditional rosti recipes involve peeling and soaking potatoes or adding multiple ingredients to enhance crispiness. In this version, the potatoes are grated with their skin on, giving extra texture and nutrients. Lemon zest brightens the dish, while garlic adds a savory punch, and scallions contribute freshness.

Ingredients:

2 large Russet potatoes
1 lemon, zested
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 scallions, sliced thin
1 tbsp (4 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 cup (118 ml) vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Without peeling the potatoes, grate them on the large side of a box grater. Wrap potatoes in cheesecloth and squeeze out as much water as possible. Add potatoes to a bowl along with the lemon zest, garlic, scallions, salt, and pepper and mix.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 mounds of potatoes to the hot oil. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the bottom is dark brown, then flip and cook for another 3-5 minutes. Once crispy and browned all over, remove to a paper towel lined plate. Season with salt and serve garnished with a sprinkle of parsley.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Garlic Rostis are versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes. For breakfast or brunch, serve alongside poached or fried eggs, smoked salmon, or avocado slices for a hearty start to the day. For lunch or dinner, these rostis complement roasted meats, grilled chicken, or baked fish, soaking up any accompanying sauces beautifully.

You can also serve them as an appetizer, stacked with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkling of chives. A side of fresh arugula or mixed greens dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness and balances the richness of the fried potatoes.

For meal prep, these rostis can be cooked in advance and reheated in a skillet or oven to restore their crispiness, making them a convenient option for busy households.

Final Thoughts

These Lemon Garlic Rostis highlight the beauty of simple, high-quality ingredients. The key to success lies in the preparation: squeezing out moisture, evenly mixing flavors, and frying to golden perfection. The combination of crispy exterior and tender interior makes each bite satisfying, while the lemon and garlic provide an aromatic, bright flavor that elevates the dish from basic to extraordinary.

This recipe is perfect for home cooks who want a quick, flavorful, and visually appealing side dish. Its versatility means it can be adapted to breakfast, lunch, dinner, or brunch, and it pairs beautifully with a wide variety of proteins and vegetables.

Find more recipes from Everyday Excellent here!