Fill water half way in a medium sized cooking pot. Add potatoes and boil for 15-20 mins or till potatoes are cooked for fork tender.
When potatoes are cooked but holds the shape, turn off flame and drain water.
Place cooked potatoes on a parchment lined baking tray leaving gap in between each potato. Smash each potato with potato smasher or with a thick spatula.
Drizzle oil on each smashed potato and sprinkle salt, pepper. Add grated cheese on top of each potato if needed. Bake at 380F for 20 mins.
In meantime prepare Herbed Yogurt. In a bowl, add yogurt, minced garlic, cilantro, mint, lemon juice, salt, pepper, thyme and mix well. Keep aside for 15 mins.
When potatoes are ready, serve potatoes with heavy scoop of herbed yogurt on side. Add shallots on side if desired!