The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Roast Potatoes
Few things in life are as satisfying as the crunch of a perfectly roasted potato. Whether you’re preparing a feast for the Christmas dinner, a Sunday roast, or just treating yourself to something special, mastering the art of roast potatoes is a skill every home cook should have. In this post, I’ll walk you through the secrets to achieving golden, crispy perfection on the outside and fluffy goodness on the inside.
The Key to Perfect Roast Potatoes
Great roast potatoes come down to three essential steps: the right potato, proper preparation, and an ideal roasting method. Let’s break it down.
1. Choose the Right Potato
The type of potato you use is critical. Floury potatoes like Agria or Ilam H work best because they have a higher starch content, which helps create that desirable crunchy exterior. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they don’t crisp up as well.
2. Preparation is Everything
Prepping your potatoes correctly can make or break your roast. This involves peeling, parboiling, and roughing up the edges for maximum crunch.
3. The Roasting Method
High heat and plenty of fat are the secrets to a beautifully roasted potato. Using the right oil or fat ensures even cooking and flavor enhancement.
The Recipe: Perfect Roast Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg (3 lbs) floury New Zealand grown potatoes (e.g., Agria or Ilam H)
- 4 tbsp vegetable oil or duck fat
- 1 tsp salt (plus more for seasoning)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: Fresh rosemary, thyme, or garlic cloves
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) or 200°C (400°F) for fan ovens.
2. Peel and cut the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks, about 5 cm (2 inches) wide. Uniform sizes ensure even cooking.
3. Parboil the potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to soften. Drain them thoroughly.
4. Rough up the edges: Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Shake the pot gently to rough up the edges—this is crucial for creating crispy surfaces during roasting.
5. Heat the fat: While the potatoes are parboiling, add your chosen fat to a large roasting tray and place it in the oven to heat. The fat should be sizzling hot when you add the potatoes.
6. Roast the potatoes: Carefully place the potatoes into the hot fat, turning them to coat each piece. Season with salt and pepper. Spread the potatoes out in a single layer to avoid overcrowding.
7. Add aromatics (optional): For an extra flavor boost, add fresh rosemary, thyme, or a few unpeeled garlic cloves to the tray.
8. Roast to perfection: Roast the potatoes for 45-60 minutes, turning them halfway through for even browning. They’re done when they’re golden and crispy on all sides.
9. Serve immediately: Sprinkle with a final pinch of salt and serve hot – enjoy!
Perfect roast potatoes are a thing of beauty and a testament to the power of simple ingredients done right. Happy roasting!