Old Fashioned Parsley Buttered Potatoes

5 from 17 votes

The simplest, most aromatic potato side dish from my Romanian kitchen. Tender potatoes tossed in butter and fresh parsley. Ready in under 30 minutes!

Prep Time5

Cook Time20

Total Time25

Cuisine: Romanian

Servings:

Calories: 164kcal

Prep the potatoes: Peel off the skin first. If they’re small, you can leave them whole. For larger ones, cut them into chunks. You can also boil the potatoes with the skin on and peel them after cooking. Another option is to leave the skin on entirely, just be sure to scrub them really well before boiling.
1 lb potatoes
Boil: Fill a medium pot with water and add a good pinch of salt. Add the potatoes and bring to a boil. Let them cook for 12–15 minutes, or until a fork goes in easily.
Drain and steam: Pour the potatoes into a colander and let them sit for a minute or two so the steam escapes — this helps them stay fluffy, not soggy. Return the potatoes to the pan.
Add the butter: Let it melt first, then pour it over the hot, drained potatoes. The heat from the potatoes will help coat every single piece beautifully.
3 tablespoon butter, 3 tablespoon fresh or 1 tablespoon dried parsley
Add parsley and seasoning: Sprinkle the chopped parsley, then add salt and pepper. Mix gently until everything is coated. That’s it — serve warm!
Salt and pepper to taste

Cut potatoes into similar sizes so they cook evenly and finish at the same time.
Use unsalted butter to control the seasoning yourself.
Boiling potatoes with the skin on helps retain nutrients; peel after cooking if preferred.
For a more rustic dish, leave the skins on — just scrub thoroughly.
Fresh parsley gives the best aroma and color; dried parsley works in a pinch.
Avoid over-mixing or stirring too vigorously to keep the potatoes from breaking apart.
This recipe works well for meal prep — cook extra and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Reheat gently in a pan or oven to maintain texture; avoid microwaving if possible to prevent sogginess.
Pair with fish, roast chicken, pork chops, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.