Ultimate Crispy Roasted Potatoes
Elevate your roast potato game with this foolproof recipe for the Ultimate Crispy Roasted Potatoes! Imagine perfectly golden, crunchy exteriors giving way to fluffy, tender interiors with every bite. While many think they already have the perfect method, this recipe ensures your potatoes are evenly roasted and never stick to the pan. The secret lies in a pre-cooking step that heats the potatoes before roasting, significantly improving their texture. Coupled with quality roasting potatoes such as Maris Piper, King Edward, or Desiree, you'll be amazed at the transformation and flavor that a few simple tweaks can bring to your dinner table. Perfect for family meals, festive occasions, or even as an irresistible side dish, these potatoes are bound to impress.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
potatoes
4 lbs (peeled and cut into halves or chunks)
vegetable shortening
4 ounces (to coat the potatoes)
bay leaves
3-4 (optional, for flavoring)
sea salt
to taste (optional, for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C, gas mark 6). Begin by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into evenly sized halves or chunks, roughly about 2 inches.
2
Place the cut potatoes into a large saucepan, cover them completely with cold salted water, and bring to the boil. Once it reaches a rolling boil, drain the potatoes immediately. This step pre-heats the potatoes, facilitating better roasting later.
3
Return the drained potatoes to the hot pan and place it back on the heat for a few minutes until the potatoes are dry. This crucial step minimizes sticking during roasting, ensuring a perfect crispy finish.
4
While the potatoes are drying, carefully slide a large baking tray into the oven to preheat for about 5-10 minutes. Add the vegetable shortening to the hot pan with the potatoes and stir gently until the fat has melted and the potatoes are well-coated and shiny.
5
Transfer the coated potatoes to the hot baking tray. Spread them out evenly to ensure they roast properly. Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for about 45 minutes, turning and basting the potatoes every 15 minutes to achieve uniform crispiness.
6
About 15 minutes before they are finished cooking, add the bay leaves for added flavor if desired. Keep an eye on them to ensure they achieve a beautiful golden brown color.
7
Once done, carefully lift the potatoes from the tray using a slotted spoon to allow excess fat to drip off. Sprinkle with sea salt to taste and serve immediately. For those who can't serve them right away, keep them warm in the oven, but do not cover them, as this will affect their crispiness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best potato varieties for the Ultimate Crispy Roasted Potatoes?
For the best results, use quality roasting potatoes such as Maris Piper, King Edward, or Desiree.
What is the secret to getting roasted potatoes extra crispy?
The secret lies in a pre-cooking step where you parboil the potatoes and then dry them on the heat to minimize sticking and improve texture.
How should I cut the potatoes for roasting?
Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized halves or chunks, roughly about 2 inches.
How long should I boil the potatoes before roasting?
Place them in cold salted water, bring to a rolling boil, and then drain them immediately to pre-heat them.
Why is it important to dry the potatoes after draining?
Returning the potatoes to the hot pan for a few minutes to dry them is crucial because it minimizes sticking during roasting and ensures a crispy finish.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C, or gas mark 6).
Do I need to preheat the baking tray?
Yes, you should slide a large baking tray into the oven to preheat for about 5-10 minutes while the potatoes are drying.
What type of fat is used in this potato recipe?
This recipe calls for 4 ounces of vegetable shortening to coat the potatoes.
How do I coat the potatoes in the shortening?
Add the vegetable shortening to the hot pan with the dried potatoes and stir gently until the fat has melted and the potatoes are well-coated and shiny.
How long do the potatoes need to roast?
Roast the potatoes for approximately 45 minutes until they achieve a beautiful golden brown color.
How often should I turn the potatoes while they roast?
You should turn and baste the potatoes every 15 minutes to ensure uniform crispiness.
When should I add the bay leaves?
Add the bay leaves for flavor about 15 minutes before the potatoes are finished cooking.
How do I remove the potatoes from the baking tray?
Carefully lift them from the tray using a slotted spoon to allow any excess fat to drip off.
What is the best way to season the roasted potatoes?
Sprinkle them with sea salt to taste immediately after removing them from the oven.
Can I keep the roasted potatoes warm if I am not serving them immediately?
Yes, keep them warm in the oven, but do not cover them, as covering them will make them lose their crispiness.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses vegetable shortening instead of animal fats.
How many pounds of potatoes do I need?
This recipe requires 4 lbs of potatoes.
What makes the interior of the potatoes fluffy?
The combination of parboiling and using the correct potato variety like Maris Piper ensures a tender, fluffy interior.
Should I start the potatoes in hot or cold water?
You should always start the potatoes in cold salted water before bringing them to a boil.
Can I use King Edward potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, King Edward potatoes are specifically recommended for their roasting qualities.
Are bay leaves mandatory for this recipe?
No, bay leaves are optional but are recommended for adding extra flavor.
What happens if I don't preheat the baking tray?
If the tray isn't hot, the potatoes are more likely to stick and may not develop the desired crispy crust immediately.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Yes, the recipe specifies peeling the potatoes to achieve the traditional roasted texture.
What size chunks should the potatoes be?
Aim for chunks that are roughly 2 inches in size for even cooking.
How many bay leaves should I use?
The recipe suggests using 3-4 bay leaves.
What gas mark is equivalent to 200°C?
200°C is equivalent to gas mark 6.
Can these potatoes be served for holiday meals?
Yes, they are excellent for festive occasions, family meals, or as a side dish.
Why is sea salt recommended over table salt?
Sea salt provides a better texture and flavor profile for finishing roasted vegetables.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 4 main ingredients: potatoes, vegetable shortening, bay leaves, and sea salt.
Does this recipe prevent potatoes from sticking to the pan?
Yes, the specific method of drying the potatoes after boiling ensures they never stick to the pan.