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BAKED POTATOES WITH PUTTANESCA SAUCE — A SIMPLE TWIST ON A NAPOLETANA CLASSIC

BAKED POTATOES WITH PUTTANESCA SAUCE — A SIMPLE TWIST ON A NAPOLETANA CLASSIC

BAKED POTATOES WITH PUTTANESCA SAUCE — A SIMPLE TWIST ON A NAPOLETANA CLASSIC

Enjoy the bold, tangy flavors of traditional puttanesca sauce served over tender baked potatoes instead of pasta. The soft potato interior soaks up the savory sauce infused with anchovies, capers, olives, and roasted tomatoes, creating a deliciously comforting and easy meal.


🕒 Prep Time: 10 min

🍳 Cook Time: 40-50 min
🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
🔥 Calories: approx. 600 cal per serving


Ingredients

  • 6 small potatoes
  • 6 oven-roasted canned tomatoes
  • 12 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 anchovy fillets in oil, chopped
  • 2 tbsp capers in vinegar
  • 2 large garlic cloves, crushed
  • ½ tsp chili flakes
  • 1 tbsp small olives (Taggiasca or Niçoise; chop if large)
  • ¼ small bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Bake the Potatoes
    • Wash potatoes thoroughly; scrub with a brush if needed.
    • Bake at 180°C (350°F) until fork-tender — about 30 minutes for small potatoes, check for doneness.
  2. Prepare the Puttanesca Sauce
    • Warm olive oil gently in a wide pan.
    • Add chopped anchovies and sauté until they dissolve into the oil (~2 minutes).
    • Stir in capers, cook 2 more minutes.
    • Remove from heat, add crushed garlic, and return to low heat; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
    • Stir in chili flakes, then remove pan from heat.
    • Add olives and chopped parsley; mix well.
  3. Prepare Potatoes for Serving
    • Remove baked potatoes from oven and let cool slightly for handling.
    • Slice each potato lengthwise and gently press the flesh with a fork to flatten slightly, creating a wider surface area. Some potatoes may crack — this is fine.
    • Return potatoes to baking tray, season with freshly ground black pepper, drizzle some puttanesca oil over them.
    • Bake again at 180°C for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Assemble and Serve
    • Place potatoes on a serving platter.
    • Top each half with a roasted tomato half.
    • Spoon puttanesca sauce generously over all potatoes.
    • Serve warm, either on their own, alongside roast chicken, or with a fresh arugula and pickled red onion salad.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve these flavorful potatoes with a crisp arugula salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil for a fresh contrast. They also pair beautifully with grilled or roasted meats, especially chicken or fish.


📝 Final Thoughts

This recipe offers a brilliant way to enjoy puttanesca flavors beyond pasta, making it accessible and perfect for a simple yet elegant meal. The tender, fluffy potatoes absorb the savory, aromatic sauce perfectly, delivering a satisfying dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.