Perfectly Crispy Roasted Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to preparing the perfect crispy roasted potatoes, there are several methods and tricks to ensure a delightful, crunchy exterior and a fluffy interior. In this guide, we will walk you through three different recipes, focusing on the key elements that make the potatoes crispy and flavorful.

Method 1: Traditional Oven Roasting

To start, let's dive into the traditional oven roasting method. This approach involves parboiling the potatoes before roasting them in a hot oven. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

Floury potatoes Ghee, goose or duck fat, or other fats Sea salt and paprika

Steps:

Peel the floury potatoes and cut them into equal-sized pieces, about 2 inches in size. Parboil the potatoes in salted water for about 10 minutes, then drain and return to a pan. Add your chosen oil or fat to the pan and replace the lid, shaking well to coat the potatoes evenly. Tip the potatoes into a greased baking dish and place them flat sides down. Season with a generous amount of salt and paprika. Roast in the oven at 350°F (180°C) alongside your roasting meat for approximately 50 minutes. Feel free to add a peeled onion for a delicious side dish.

The key to success here is choosing the right fat and providing enough surface area for the potatoes to crisp up. Goose or duck fat, beef dripping, and lard are all excellent choices, but olive oil is acceptable if you prefer a more neutral flavor.

Method 2: Olive Oil Spray Roasting

For a quick and easy method, olive oil spray can be used to achieve that perfect crispiness. Here's how:

Ingredients:

Large potatoes Olive oil Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

Take your potatoes and cut them into 2-inch cubes. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper. Roast on a cookie sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, turning every 10 minutes.

Leaving the skins on adds a wonderful texture and flavor to the potatoes, making them even more enjoyable.

Method 3: Deep Baker Roasting

A more indulgent method involves roasting potatoes in a deep baking tray with olive oil or other fats. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:

Floury potatoes, peeled and quartered or cut into sixths or eighths Extra-virgin olive oil or other fats Sea salt and thyme sprigs Mincing garlic (optional)

Steps:

Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place a deep baking tray in the oven and preheat it for 5 minutes with a generous splash of olive oil or fat. Sprinkle sea salt and thyme sprigs over the tray. Add the potatoes and roast for 30-35 minutes, turning every 10 minutes to ensure even crispness.

This method results in crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside potatoes, providing a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Conclusion

The secret to achieving perfectly crispy roasted potatoes lies in the choice of fat, the size and shape of the potatoes, and the roasting method. Whether you choose to parboil, use olive oil spray, or roast in a baking dish, these methods will help you achieve the ideal texture and flavor for your roasted potatoes. Enjoy your meal!