Crispy Golden English Roast Potatoes
Experience the quintessential taste of British cuisine with these perfectly crispy roast potatoes. The art of achieving that coveted golden exterior is all in the technique—start by par-boiling the potatoes and giving them a good shake in a colander to roughen their edges. This crucial step ensures maximum crispiness when they roast in the oven. By spacing them apart and basting them in hot oil periodically, you'll ensure every potato is beautifully golden and evenly cooked. For an extra burst of flavor, feel free to sprinkle with fresh rosemary, paprika, thyme, or garlic during the roasting process. Perfect as a side dish for your Sunday roast or any meal, these roast potatoes are sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
large potatoes
4-6 (Peeled and quartered)
salt
1 tablespoon (For boiling and seasoning)
pepper
1 tablespoon (For seasoning)
vegetable oil
1/4 cup (For roasting)
Instructions
1
Peel and quarter the large potatoes into even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
2
Place the quartered potatoes in a large saucepan and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
3
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer for 5-6 minutes until the potatoes are slightly softened but not fully cooked.
4
While the potatoes are simmering, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
5
Once the potatoes have simmered, carefully drain them in a colander. Shake them gently to roughen the edges; this will create a crispy texture when they roast.
6
Allow the potatoes to sit in the colander for a few minutes to dry off any excess moisture.
7
Pour enough vegetable oil into a roasting pan to cover the bottom and heat the pan in the preheated oven for a few minutes until the oil is hot.
8
Once the oil is hot, gently add the potatoes to the pan, ensuring they are coated evenly in the oil. Be careful to avoid splattering.
9
Sprinkle the potatoes generously with salt and pepper, tossing them lightly to distribute the seasoning.
10
Roast the potatoes in the oven, basting them with the hot oil every 15-20 minutes to keep them moist and enhance their crispiness.
11
Around the halfway point (about 20 minutes in), carefully turn the potatoes once or twice to ensure they brown evenly. Do not overcrowd the pan; you want space for airflow.
12
Continue roasting for an additional 30-60 minutes or until the potatoes are beautifully golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to ensure they don't burn.
13
Serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or spices.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes these English roast potatoes particularly crispy?
The secret to the crispiness lies in par-boiling the potatoes and then shaking them in a colander to roughen the edges before roasting.
How long should I par-boil the potatoes?
You should simmer the potatoes for 5-6 minutes until they are slightly softened but not fully cooked.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for the best roasting results.
Why do I need to shake the potatoes in a colander?
Shaking the potatoes creates a starchy, roughened surface that turns into a crunchy crust when roasted in hot oil.
What kind of oil is best for roasting potatoes?
This recipe recommends using vegetable oil, as it can handle the high roasting temperatures.
Do I need to heat the oil before adding the potatoes?
Yes, you should heat the roasting pan with the oil in the oven for a few minutes until it is hot before adding the potatoes.
How many potatoes does this recipe require?
You will need 4-6 large potatoes, which should be peeled and quartered.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The basic recipe uses salt and pepper, but you can also add rosemary, paprika, thyme, or garlic for extra flavor.
How often should I baste the potatoes?
It is recommended to baste the potatoes with the hot oil every 15-20 minutes to enhance their crispiness.
Why is it important to space the potatoes apart in the pan?
Spacing them apart allows for proper airflow, which ensures they brown evenly and don't steam instead of roast.
How long do the potatoes need to roast in total?
The roasting process usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes until they are beautifully golden.
Should I start the potatoes in hot or cold water?
Place the potatoes in a saucepan and cover them with cold water before bringing them to a boil.
Is it necessary to dry the potatoes after boiling?
Yes, allowing the potatoes to sit in the colander for a few minutes to dry off excess moisture helps achieve a better crunch.
When should I turn the potatoes during roasting?
Turn the potatoes once or twice around the halfway point, which is approximately 20 minutes into the roasting time.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe uses 4-6 large potatoes, typically serving 4 to 6 people as a side dish.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Yes, you can sprinkle garlic over the potatoes during the roasting process for added depth of flavor.
Are these potatoes suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these Crispy Golden English Roast Potatoes are a vegetarian-friendly side dish.
How do I prevent the oil from splattering?
Gently add the potatoes to the hot oil in the pan to minimize the risk of oil splattering.
What herbs go well with roast potatoes?
Fresh rosemary and thyme are excellent choices to sprinkle on the potatoes while they roast.
What should I look for to know they are done?
The potatoes are finished when they are a deep golden color and have a firm, crispy exterior.
Do I peel the potatoes before or after boiling?
You should peel and quarter the potatoes before placing them in the water to boil.
How much oil is needed for the pan?
Use 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, or enough to completely cover the bottom of your roasting pan.
Can I use paprika with this recipe?
Yes, paprika can be added during roasting to give the potatoes a warm flavor and a redder golden hue.
What is the best way to serve these potatoes?
Serve them immediately while hot, ideally as part of a traditional Sunday roast or with your favorite main course.
How much salt should be added to the boiling water?
Add a generous pinch of salt to the cold water before bringing the potatoes to a boil.
What is the primary category for this dish?
This dish is categorized as a side dish within English cuisine.
Can I use smaller potatoes for this recipe?
The recipe specifies large potatoes, but if using smaller ones, ensure they are cut into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
Should the pan be overcrowded?
No, do not overcrowd the pan; leave enough space between potatoes to ensure they roast properly.
Is black pepper required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of pepper for seasoning, but you can adjust this to your taste preference.
How can I ensure the potatoes don't burn?
Keep a close eye on the potatoes during the last few minutes of roasting to ensure they achieve the perfect golden color without burning.