Mediterranean Lyonnaise Potatoes
Lyonnaise potatoes are a traditional French side dish made with sliced potatoes, sautéed onions, and butter. This Mediterranean twist infuses the dish with olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes for a vibrant and flavorful upgrade. Perfect alongside grilled meats, fish, or as part of a vegetarian mezze spread.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1.5 lbs (700g) Yukon gold or red potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (1/4-inch)
2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: olives, lemon zest, or crumbled feta for garnish
Instructions
Parboil the Potatoes:
Place sliced potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 5–6 minutes until just tender but not fully cooked. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Onions:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and soft.
Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Stir in the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the Potatoes:
Add the parboiled potato slices to the skillet with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Gently toss to combine with the onion mixture.
Season and Crisp:
Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread everything into an even layer and let it cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes to allow the potatoes to crisp. Flip carefully and cook another 4–5 minutes.
Finish with Herbs:
Once the potatoes are golden and tender, remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley (and optional lemon zest or crumbled feta if using).
Serve:
Serve warm as a side or part of a mezze platter. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, lamb, or roasted vegetables.
Tips
Use Waxy Potatoes: Yukon gold or red potatoes hold their shape better when cooked. Avoid russets, which can become mushy.
Uniform Slices: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice potatoes evenly—this ensures even cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For maximum crispness, cook in batches or use a large skillet to avoid steaming.
Let Them Brown: After adding the potatoes to the skillet, let them sit undisturbed for several minutes to develop that golden crust.
Prep Ahead: You can parboil the potatoes and caramelize the onions ahead of time; combine and crisp just before serving.
Tasty Variations
Add Veggies
Bell Peppers: Thinly sliced red or yellow peppers add sweetness and color.
Zucchini or Eggplant: Pan-sear separately, then toss in at the end.
Cheese Lovers
Crumbled Feta or Goat Cheese: Sprinkle on just before serving for a creamy, salty touch.
Parmesan: Add a bit in the last 2 minutes of cooking for a crispy-cheesy top layer.
Herb Upgrades
Fresh Oregano or Basil: Stir in at the end for added freshness.
Rosemary: Use sparingly with thyme for a deeper aromatic profile.
Spicy Version
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or harissa paste while sautéing the onions for a Mediterranean kick.
Citrus Zing
Add lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness.
Olive Addition
Toss in some kalamata or green olives for a salty, briny contrast.
Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! Parboil the potatoes and sauté the onions in advance. Store them separately and combine in a skillet to reheat and crisp just before serving.
Q: Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?
A: Absolutely. Layer the parboiled potatoes and sautéed onions in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and crisp.
Q: What can I serve with Mediterranean Lyonnaise Potatoes?
A: They’re great with grilled fish, roasted chicken, lamb kofta, or a simple Greek salad.
Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
A: Yes, though they’re softer and cook faster. Adjust boiling and pan-frying times accordingly, and consider using firmer varieties like Japanese sweet potatoes.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free and vegetarian?
A: Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free and vegetarian. To make it vegan, just swap butter for more olive oil.
Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving – 1/4 of recipe)
Estimates based on standard ingredients.
Calories: 230
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 260mg
Conclusion
Mediterranean Lyonnaise Potatoes are a flavorful and elegant twist on a French classic. With golden, pan-crisped potatoes, sweet caramelized onions, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant herbs, this dish brings comfort and brightness to any meal. It’s simple, satisfying, and easily adaptable for any season or dietary preference—making it a versatile side you’ll turn to again and again.