Perfect roasties

1. Prep the Potatoes

Start by preparing the potatoes.

• Peel (optional): You can peel the potatoes if you prefer, or leave the skins on for extra texture and flavor.
• Cut into Even Pieces: Cut the potatoes into even-sized chunks (about 2-inch pieces). The more uniform the size, the more evenly they’ll cook.

2. Parboil the Potatoes

Parboiling is a crucial step in creating the right texture. It helps soften the potatoes and makes it easier to create a rough surface that crisps up beautifully in the oven.

• Boil a Pot of Water: Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water to season the potatoes as they cook.
• Parboil: Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for about 8-10 minutes, until they are just tender but still firm. A fork should easily pierce the potatoes but they should not be falling apart.
• Drain: Once the potatoes are parboiled, drain them in a colander. Allow them to sit for a minute to steam off excess moisture.

3. Roughen the Edges (Optional for Extra Crispiness)

For extra crispy potatoes, shake the pot gently to fluff up the edges of the potatoes. The more rough edges you have, the crispier the potatoes will be when roasted. Alternatively, you can toss the potatoes gently in the colander with a bit of flour (about a tablespoon), which helps achieve an even crispier crust.

4. Preheat the Oven and Fat

While the potatoes are draining, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key for crispy roasties. At the same time, place a roasting tray or pan in the oven with your chosen fat (oil, duck fat, or goose fat) and allow it to heat up. This ensures that the potatoes start crisping the moment they hit the hot fat.

5. Roast the Potatoes

Once the fat is hot (it should shimmer), carefully add the parboiled potatoes to the pan. Be cautious, as the fat may splatter. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer for even roasting.

• Roast the potatoes for 40-50 minutes, turning them halfway through. Use a pair of tongs or a spatula to flip the potatoes so that all sides are evenly golden and crispy.
• Add Seasonings: About 10 minutes before the potatoes are done, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and fresh rosemary or other herbs like thyme. If you’re using garlic or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, add these in the final 5-10 minutes of roasting to infuse the potatoes with flavor.

6. Serve

Once your potatoes are golden, crisp, and deliciously fragrant, remove them from the oven and serve immediately. If desired, squeeze a little lemon juice over them or garnish with extra rosemary. These crispy, golden roast potatoes are perfect alongside a roast chicken, steak, or as part of a cozy comfort meal.

Tips for Perfect Roast Potatoes

• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give your potatoes enough space in the pan so they can roast evenly. If you overcrowd the pan, the potatoes will steam rather than roast, which will affect their crispiness.
• Use Enough Fat: Don’t skimp on the oil or fat! The potatoes need enough fat to coat them evenly, which helps them crisp up. About 3-4 tablespoons of fat should be enough for 2 pounds of potatoes.
• High Oven Temperature: Roasting potatoes at a high temperature (425°F or 220°C) ensures that the outside gets golden and crisp, while the inside stays soft and fluffy.
• Flip Them: Make sure to flip the potatoes halfway through the roasting process. This ensures they get crispy on all sides.
• Add Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding different seasonings like smoked paprika, cumin, chili flakes, or even a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for added depth of flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can parboil the potatoes and store them in the fridge for up to a day in advance. Just roast them off when you’re ready for a meal.

Why You’ll Love Perfect Roast Potatoes

Perfect roast potatoes are the ideal side dish for any meal. The crispy exterior combined with the fluffy interior is a texture you just can’t get from other methods of cooking potatoes. Whether you’re serving them for a Sunday roast, a holiday feast, or a casual weeknight dinner, they never fail to impress.

The beauty of roast potatoes lies in their versatility. You can flavor them with herbs, spices, and other seasonings to suit any palate. They’re easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are always a crowd favorite.

Once you master the technique of perfect roast potatoes, you’ll be able to serve them with everything from roasted meats to vegetarian dishes. So get ready to enjoy the crispiest, most delicious roast potatoes ever!

1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese (for a cheesy, crispy finish)

Smoked paprika (for a smoky, savory flavor)