SEPAL’S FARMHOUSE RECIPES
Crispy Rosemary Potato Skins
From Charmaine D – T he Healing Kitchen
One of the questions I’m asked most often in clinic is,
“If I’m trying to reduce bread, what can I enjoy with my soup instead?”
For many of us, bread has become part of the ritual of eating soup. We tear off a piece, dip it into the broth and somehow it just feels complete.
Rather than simply taking something away, I prefer offering something equally comforting, delicious and nourishing.
These Crispy Rosemary Potato Skins have become one of my favourite alternatives. They’re wonderfully crunchy on the outside, soft and fluffy in the middle and perfect for dipping into a bowl of homemade soup.
As with all of my recipes, don’t become too focused on perfection. Recipes are simply a guide. Add a little more rosemary if you love it, use the herbs growing in your own garden and adjust the seasoning to suit your family.
Cooking should be enjoyable.
After all, the best meals are often the simplest.
Serves
Approximately 6–8 serves
Perfect for preparing ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
45–60 minutes
(depending on the size of your potatoes)
Ingredients
Potatoes
Choose approximately 1.5 kg of potatoes (around 6 medium or 4 large potatoes).
Good Australian roasting varieties include:
- Sebago
- Dutch Cream
- Desiree
- Royal Blue
- Kestrel
If your local fruit and vegetable shop stocks another roasting variety, that’s perfectly fine too.
Whenever possible, I recommend choosing organic potatoes, particularly because we’re enjoying the skin.
If organic isn’t available, don’t let that stop you. Simply wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water using a vegetable brush or a clean kitchen scourer.
Nature has already wrapped the potato in its own protective jacket. With a good wash, I like to leave the skin on whenever possible. It provides wonderful texture, fibre and naturally occurring plant compounds while reducing unnecessary food waste.
Healthy Fat
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
or
2 tablespoons avocado oil
Charmaine’s Favourite Seasoning Blend
2 teaspoons celery salt
1 teaspoon white pepper
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Optional additions:
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (if tolerated)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (if tolerated)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Fresh Herbs to Finish
I love finishing these potato skins with a generous handful of freshly chopped herbs.
Choose one or a combination of:
- Flat-leaf parsley
- Chives
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Coriander
Fresh herbs not only add beautiful colour but also brighten the flavour of the entire dish.
Optional Toppings
For a little extra crunch and nourishment, try adding:
- Toasted pumpkin seeds
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Hemp seeds
- Nutritional yeast (if tolerated)
- A light drizzle of tahini
Method
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 200°C fan-forced (220°C conventional).
Line one or two baking trays with baking paper.
Step 2
Wash each potato thoroughly using a vegetable brush or clean kitchen scourer under running water.
There’s no need to peel them.
Simply remove any dirt, dry them well with a clean tea towel and they’re ready to use.
Step 3
Cut each potato into thick wedges approximately 2–3 cm wide.
Try to keep the wedges a similar size so they cook evenly.
Don’t worry if every wedge isn’t identical—that’s the beauty of home cooking.
Step 4
Place the wedges into a large mixing bowl.
Drizzle over the olive oil.
Sprinkle over:
- Celery salt
- White pepper
- Rosemary
- Thyme
Using clean hands or a large spoon, gently toss everything together until every potato wedge is lightly coated.
Step 5
Arrange the wedges onto your prepared baking trays.
Leave a little space between each potato.
If they’re crowded together they’ll steam rather than roast, and you’ll miss out on that lovely crisp finish.
Step 6
Bake for approximately 25–30 minutes.
Carefully turn each wedge over.
Continue baking for another 20–30 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden, crisp on the outside and soft and fluffy inside.
Cooking time will vary depending on the variety and size of your potatoes.
Step 7
Transfer to a serving bowl.
While still warm, scatter generously with your fresh herbs.
If you enjoy a little extra crunch, sprinkle over toasted pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds or hemp seeds.
They’re ready to serve beside your favourite homemade soup.
Serving Suggestions
These Crispy Potato Skins pair beautifully with:
- Sepal’s Farmhouse Slow-Cooked Osso Buco Soup
- Pumpkin Soup
- Chicken and Vegetable Soup
- Rustic Vegetable Soup
- Minestrone
- Lentil Soup
- Roasted Tomato Soup
They’re also delicious served alongside grilled fish, slow-cooked meats or a fresh garden salad.
Preparing Ahead
One of my favourite time-saving tips is to cook a double batch while the oven is already on.
Allow the potato skins to cool completely before storing them in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator.
They’ll keep well for 3–4 days.
When you’re ready for another bowl of soup, simply reheat them in:
- an air fryer for 4–6 minutes, or
- a hot oven for 8–10 minutes,
until they’re crisp once again.
Can I Freeze Them?
Absolutely.
Allow the cooked potato skins to cool completely.
Place them on a tray in a single layer and freeze until firm.
Transfer them to a freezer-safe container.
They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months.
Simply cook directly from frozen in a hot oven or air fryer until heated through and crisp.
Histamine-Friendly Tips
If you live with histamine intolerance or mast cell activation, freshly cooked potato skins are often the preferred option.
If preparing ahead:
- Cool them promptly.
- Freeze portions as soon as practical.
- Only reheat what you plan to eat.
- Avoid reheating the same batch multiple times.
As always, modify recipes according to your own tolerance and the advice of your healthcare practitioner.
Nutritional Highlights
Potatoes are often underestimated.
When enjoyed as part of a balanced meal, they provide:
- Dietary fibre
- Potassium
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B6
- Naturally occurring antioxidants found close to the skin
- Sustained energy when paired with quality protein and colourful vegetables
Combined with a nourishing homemade soup, they become far more than simply an alternative to bread—they become part of a wholesome, satisfying meal.
🌾 Why Sepal’s Farmhouse Recipes?
Many people ask me where the name Sepal’s came from.
It holds a very special place in my heart.
The name was inspired by my sister’s beautiful farm and her much-loved dog kennel, Sepal’s. She shared my love of wholesome home cooking, fresh seasonal produce and the simple joy of gathering family and friends around the table.
Today, Sepal’s Farmhouse Recipes continues that tradition—celebrating real food, country-style cooking and recipes that are practical, nourishing and made to be shared.
My hope is that these recipes encourage you to slow down, cook more often, enjoy real ingredients and discover that some of life’s greatest comforts really do begin in the kitchen.
Happy cooking,
Charmaine D
Naturopath | Educator
The Healing Kitchen