Crispy roast potatoes are a beloved side dish, cherished for their golden-brown exteriors and fluffy, tender insides. They are versatile, pairing beautifully with everything from a simple roast chicken to an elaborate holiday feast. Achieving the perfect roast potatoes involves a few key steps: parboiling the potatoes to create a tender interior, roughing them up for extra crispy edges, and roasting them at a high temperature to ensure a beautifully crisp finish. Whether youβre serving them at a family dinner or a festive gathering, these crispy roast potatoes are sure to be a hit.
Recipe
Ingredients:
2 lbs (about 1 kg) potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet are ideal)
1/4 cup olive oil or melted duck fat
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 425Β°F (220Β°C).
Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks (about 1-2 inches).
Place the potatoes in a large pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes, until the edges are just starting to soften.
Drain and Rough Up the Potatoes:
Drain the potatoes in a colander. Let them sit for a minute to dry off.
Shake the colander gently to rough up the edges of the potatoes. This step is crucial for creating crispy edges.
Season and Oil the Potatoes:
Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl. Add the olive oil or melted duck fat, salt, pepper, and garlic (if using). Toss until the potatoes are well coated.
Spread the potatoes out in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Make sure they are not overcrowded to ensure even roasting.
Roast the Potatoes:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for 20 minutes, then remove the sheet and turn the potatoes to ensure even browning.
Return to the oven and roast for another 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy. For extra crispiness, you can turn them again halfway through this period.
Add Herbs and Serve:
If using fresh herbs, sprinkle them over the potatoes in the last 5 minutes of roasting.
Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Serve your crispy roast potatoes hot, and enjoy their perfect combination of crunchy exterior and soft interior