Medallions with Feta & Pistachio Crunch Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that brings together crispy textures, a touch of sweetness, and an irresistible savory finish, then these Medallions with Feta & Pistachio Crunch are your new go-to. Perfectly golden potato medallions roast to crispy perfection, then marry luscious honey with just the right kick of chili, finished off with the creamy tang of feta and the satisfying snap of pistachios. This recipe feels both comforting and sophisticated, promising to wow your taste buds and guests alike with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Though this recipe is delightfully straightforward, each ingredient plays a special role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the humble potato to the crunchy nuts and creamy feta, it’s all about harmony.

• Potatoes, 3 large: The star of the show, sliced into thick medallions for the ideal crisp-to-soft ratio.
• Olive oil, 2 tablespoons: Adds richness and helps the potatoes roast beautifully golden and crispy.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavor of the potatoes and balance the sweetness of the honey.
• Chili flakes, 1/4 teaspoon: Provides just a hint of heat that awakens the dish without overpowering it.
• Honey, 2 tablespoons: Brings a smooth sweetness that perfectly complements the chili and feta.
• Crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup: Offers a tangy, creamy element that melts into the crisp potatoes.
• Chopped pistachios, 2 tablespoons: Adds a unique crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that elevates every bite.
• Fresh parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and an herbaceous twist.

How to Make Medallions with Feta & Pistachio Crunch

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Potato Medallions

Start by peeling your potatoes and slicing them into half-inch thick medallions. Toss these slices in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and black pepper to coat them evenly. Spread the medallions out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t crowded to let the edges crisp up nicely. Roast them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until they are gorgeously golden and crispy.

Step 2: Create the Chili-Honey Drizzle

While the potatoes are roasting, gently warm the honey with chili flakes. This can be done quickly on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Warming the honey intensifies its sweetness and allows the chili’s subtle heat to infuse thoroughly. This chili-honey drizzle will be the sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze that binds all the flavors together.

Step 3: Add the Feta and Pistachio Crunch

Once the medallions are perfectly roasted, remove them from the oven and drizzle the chili-honey mixture generously over the top. Immediately sprinkle the crumbled feta and chopped pistachios to create that wonderfully creamy and crunchy contrast that defines this dish. The warm potatoes help soften the feta just a little, while the pistachios add a delightful texture that keeps things exciting.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Finish off your Medallions with Feta & Pistachio Crunch by scattering fresh parsley over them. This simple garnish adds vibrant color and a fresh bite, bringing the entire dish together. Serve while still warm for the ultimate flavor experience.

How to Serve Medallions with Feta & Pistachio Crunch

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic choice for garnish, adding a lovely green contrast and fresh flavor. For an extra touch, consider a few lemon zest shavings or a light sprinkle of smoked paprika to bring a subtle smoky note and extra color.

Side Dishes

This dish shines as a stand-alone appetizer but also pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. It offers a combination of textures and flavors that complement protein-rich mains beautifully, making it a versatile side or snack.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, try stacking the medallions in a small tower on each plate or arranging them in a circular pattern with garnishes artistically scattered. You could even serve the medallions on a large platter as part of a shared mezze or tapas spread – the vibrant colors and textures always draw admiring glances!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Medallions with Feta & Pistachio Crunch store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To help maintain their crispiness, separate any fresh garnishes and pistachios from the potatoes before storing, adding them back just before serving.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best reserved for just the roasted potato medallions without toppings, as feta and pistachios do not freeze well. Freeze the plain medallions in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to one month.

Reheating

To reheat, place the potato medallions in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through and crispy again, about 10 minutes. Add fresh feta, pistachios, chili-honey drizzle, and parsley just before serving to revive the full flavor and texture of the original dish.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! Yukon Gold or red potatoes work wonderfully because they hold their shape well and crisp nicely. Just be sure to slice them evenly for even cooking.

Is there a way to make this dish vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the feta with a plant-based cheese alternative or simply omit it. For added creaminess, consider a sprinkle of toasted nutritional yeast along with the pistachios.

How spicy is this dish with chili flakes?

The chili flakes add a mild warmth rather than intense heat, and you can easily adjust the amount to suit your spice preference from none at all to a more pronounced kick.

Can I prepare this recipe without honey?

If you want to skip the honey, try using a drizzle of maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweet touch that pairs beautifully with the chili and feta.

What other nuts work well instead of pistachios?

Chopped almonds, walnuts, or even toasted pecans make excellent substitutes, adding their own unique crunch and flavor profiles to the dish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the way these Medallions with Feta & Pistachio Crunch layer flavors and textures to create a dish that feels both cozy and elegant. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, side, or party appetizer, it’s sure to become a favorite recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again. Give it a try, and you’ll quickly discover why it’s so beloved!