Amazing Fingerling Potatoes with 1 T Tarragon Butter

There’s something so special about a side dish that’s both incredibly simple and ridiculously elegant, isn’t there? It’s the kind of thing that makes a weeknight meal feel a little bit fancy, or a dinner party shine without all the fuss. That’s exactly what I love about cooking – finding those gems that bring comfort, connection, and pure joy to the table. I’m Daniel, and I started Reciqa because I believe delicious food shouldn’t be complicated. It’s about sharing those moments, those memories, and of course, those amazing flavors. Today, we’re diving into one of those perfect dishes: Fingerling Potatoes with Tarragon Chive Butter. Trust me, it’s a recipe that proves you don’t need a ton of ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create something truly memorable. It’s quick, it’s bursting with fresh flavor, and it just *works*.

Why You’ll Love Fingerling Potatoes with Tarragon Chive Butter

Honestly, this recipe is a total winner for so many reasons! It’s one of those dishes that just *works* every single time, no matter the occasion. Here’s why it’s become a go-to for me and why I think you’ll love it too:

• Seriously Easy Prep: We’re talking minimal effort for maximum flavor. Steaming the potatoes is hands-off, and the butter comes together in a flash. You can totally whip this up even on a busy weeknight!
• Incredible Flavor Bomb: The combination of earthy fingerling potatoes with that bright, herbaceous butter is just divine. The tarragon and chives bring such a fresh, sophisticated taste, and the hint of garlic just ties it all together.
• So Versatile: This isn’t just for fancy dinners. It’s the perfect side for grilled chicken, roasted fish, steak, or even your favorite vegetarian main. It truly goes with everything!
• Fresh & Wholesome: Using simple, fresh ingredients like potatoes, herbs, and butter makes this a side dish you can feel good about serving. It’s naturally vegetarian and packed with goodness.

Gathering Your Fingerling Potatoes with Tarragon Chive Butter Ingredients

Alright, let’s get down to what you’ll need to make these amazing Fingerling Potatoes with Tarragon Chive Butter! It’s a pretty straightforward list, which is part of what makes this recipe so darn lovable. You want to grab the freshest ingredients you can find, especially for those herbs – they really make this dish sing.

Here’s the rundown:

Fingerling potatoes	1 ½ pounds
Butter, divided	8 tablespoons
Large clove garlic, thinly sliced	1
Creme fraiche	3 tablespoons
Fresh chives, chopped	3 tablespoons
Fresh tarragon, chopped	2 teaspoons
Salt and ground black pepper	to taste

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Let’s talk a little about these ingredients. Fingerling potatoes are just perfect here because they have this wonderful waxy texture and a slightly nutty flavor that holds up beautifully to steaming and tossing. They’re also small enough that they cook up quickly. If you absolutely can’t find fingerlings, small Yukon Golds or red potatoes cut into bite-sized pieces would work, but you might need to adjust the steaming time a bit.

Now, the herbs! Fresh chives and tarragon are really the stars of the show in that gorgeous butter. Fresh herbs just have this vibrant flavor that dried ones can’t quite replicate. If you’re in a pinch and can’t find fresh tarragon, you could try about 1 teaspoon of dried tarragon, but definitely start with less and taste as you go – dried herbs are much more potent. For the creme fraiche, it adds this lovely subtle tang and creaminess. Sour cream is a pretty good substitute if creme fraiche isn’t available, or even a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.

Crafting the Perfect Fingerling Potatoes with Tarragon Chive Butter

Okay, now for the fun part – actually making these beauties! It’s really a two-part process, but both parts are super simple. We’re going to steam those potatoes until they’re just right, and then whip up this incredible herb butter that’s going to make everything sing. Trust me, your kitchen is about to smell amazing.

Here’s how we do it:

Step 1	Get your steamer ready. Pop a steamer insert into a big pot, add just enough water so it’s below the steamer basket, and then pile in your fingerling potatoes. Cover it all up, crank the heat to high, and let ‘em steam until they’re tender when you poke them with a fork. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes.
Step 2	While those potatoes are steaming away, let’s make the magic butter. Grab a small skillet and melt about 2 tablespoons of your butter over medium-low heat. Toss in your thinly sliced garlic. You want to cook it super gently, just until it’s soft and smells wonderful, but absolutely *no* browning. This only takes a minute or two. Once it’s ready, take the pan off the heat and let that lovely garlic butter cool down a bit.
Step 3	Now, for the butter-blitz! Carefully transfer that cooled garlic butter into a mini food processor. Add the rest of your butter (that’s the remaining 6 tablespoons), the creme fraiche, your chopped chives, and that gorgeous chopped tarragon. Pulse it all together until it’s nice and smooth and looks like a dreamy green-tinged butter. Give it a taste and season it up with salt and pepper just how you like it.
Step 4	Once the potatoes are tender, drain them really well. Put them back into the warm pot. Now, here’s a little trick: use the back of a big spoon to gently press on the potatoes. You want to crack them open a little, or maybe break them in half, but don’t mash them into oblivion! We want them to hold their shape. Finally, add about half of that incredible garlic-herb butter to the pot and gently toss everything together. Season again with a little salt and pepper if you think they need it.

Tips for Steaming Fingerling Potatoes

The key to perfectly steamed fingerling potatoes is really about *not* overcooking them. You want them tender, but still holding their shape. So, keep an eye on them after about 15 minutes. A fork should slide in easily, but they shouldn’t be falling apart. Draining them well after steaming is also super important; you don’t want any extra water diluting that delicious butter later on!

Mastering the Garlic-Herb Butter

When you’re cooking the garlic, remember that low and slow is the way to go. You’re just looking to soften it and infuse that flavor into the butter, not to create a bitter, burnt taste. If the garlic starts to brown, it’s already too late! Using a mini food processor makes getting that smooth, emulsified butter super easy. Don’t be shy with those fresh herbs – they’re what give this dish its incredible fresh, bright flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fingerling Potatoes with Tarragon Chive Butter

Got questions about these yummy potatoes? I’ve got you covered! This recipe is pretty flexible, so let’s dive into some common queries.

Q1: Can I use other potato varieties besides fingerlings?

Absolutely! While fingerling potatoes have a wonderful texture and flavor for this dish, you can totally use other waxy potatoes like Yukon Golds or red potatoes. Just make sure to cut them into similar bite-sized pieces so they steam evenly. You might need to adjust the steaming time slightly, so keep an eye on them until they’re tender!

Q2: How can I make this recipe vegan?

Making these potatoes vegan is super simple! You’ll want to swap out the butter for a good quality vegan butter substitute. For the creme fraiche, a vegan sour cream or a plain, unsweetened plant-based yogurt (like soy or coconut) would work beautifully. Just pulse them into the vegan butter mixture, and you’ll have a delicious dairy-free version!

Q3: What if I don’t have fresh tarragon? Can I use dried?

You sure can! Fresh tarragon brings such a lovely anise-like flavor, but if you can’t find it, dried tarragon is a decent substitute. Since dried herbs are more potent, start with about 1 teaspoon of dried tarragon for the butter mixture. Taste it and add a little more if you think it needs it. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious!

Q4: Can I make the garlic-herb butter ahead of time?

Yes, you totally can! The garlic-herb butter is great to make a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before you plan to mix it with the potatoes, so it softens up a bit and is easier to toss. It makes getting dinner on the table even quicker!

Storing and Reheating Your Fingerling Potatoes with Tarragon Chive Butter

Sometimes you end up with a few leftover potatoes, and that’s totally fine! They’re still delicious the next day. The best way to store them is in an airtight container in the fridge. Try to get them in there within a couple of hours of cooking so they stay fresh. They’ll be good for about 2 to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you’ve got a couple of good options to keep them tasting great.

Storage	Airtight container in the refrigerator
Best By	2-3 days
Reheating Method 1 (Stovetop)	Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a tiny splash of water or butter. Toss frequently until heated through. This helps maintain a nice texture.
Reheating Method 2 (Microwave)	Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Be careful not to overdo it, or they can get a bit mushy.

Understanding the Nutrition of Fingerling Potatoes with Tarragon Chive Butter

Now, let’s chat a little about what’s in this delicious dish. While it’s a side, it still packs a punch nutritionally! These numbers are just estimates, of course, because every potato is a little different and how much butter you toss in can vary. But it gives you a good idea of what you’re working with.

Serving Size	1 serving
Calories	376
Fat	27g
Saturated Fat	17g
Carbohydrates	31g
Fiber	4g
Protein	4g
Sodium	217mg
Sugar	1g

Please keep in mind these are approximate values.

For more information on the nutritional benefits of potatoes, you can check out resources from the USDA National Nutrient Database. If you’re interested in learning more about the health benefits of fresh herbs like tarragon and chives, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health offers valuable insights.

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