The BEST Crispy Roast Potatoes

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to make the best crispy roast potatoes, a perfect side dish for any roast dinner. Using a few simple ingredients and techniques, you’ll achieve perfectly crispy and golden potatoes that are a hit with family and friends.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

First, you need to prepare your ingredients:

• 2 1/4 lbs (1kg) floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper or red-skinned Rooster potatoes
• 1/2 cup (120g) lard or duck fat (or vegetable oil for a vegetarian option)
• 1 tsp Maldon salt
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

Tip: Choose floury potatoes for the best texture. They create a fluffy inside and a crispy exterior.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Prepare your potatoes to ensure they roast perfectly:

1. Peel and Chop: Peel the potatoes and cut them into even-sized chunks, about 2 inches in size.
2. Parboil: Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
3. Boil: Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes cook for about 10 minutes until they are slightly soft but not fully cooked.
4. Drain: Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them steam for a few minutes to dry out.

Common Pitfall: Avoid overcooking the potatoes during this step, as they can become too soft to achieve the desired crispiness.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Fat

While the potatoes are drying, prepare the roasting pan:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Heat the Fat: In a large roasting pan, add the lard, duck fat, or vegetable oil. Place the pan in the oven to heat the fat until it is shimmering, about 5-10 minutes.

Tip: Heating the fat is crucial for achieving that crispy texture.

Step 4: Roast the Potatoes

Now it's time to roast your potatoes to perfection:

1. Add Potatoes: Carefully add the parboiled potatoes to the hot fat in the roasting pan.
2. Season: Sprinkle the potatoes with Maldon salt and fresh thyme leaves.
3. Toss: Gently toss the potatoes in the fat to ensure they are evenly coated.
4. Roast: Roast in the oven for about 45-60 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Tip: Keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time based on your oven's performance.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the potatoes are crispy and golden:

1. Remove from Oven: Take the roasting pan out of the oven.
2. Serve: Transfer the potatoes to a serving dish and enjoy them hot alongside your favorite roast dinner.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you’ll create deliciously crispy roast potatoes that complement any meal. Remember to choose the right potatoes, heat the fat adequately, and keep an eye on the roasting time for the best results. Next time you're prepping for a roast dinner, try this method for guaranteed crispy perfection!