Jamie's Perfect Roast Potatoes

Summary

This video guide shares the secrets to making the perfect roast potatoes, from choosing the right Maris Piper potatoes to achieving the ideal crunch and flavor. The process involves parboiling, tossing to fluff the edges, and using a choice of fats like olive oil, butter, or goose fat for extra crunch. The potatoes are roasted in a single layer, seasoned, and enhanced with fresh herbs like rosemary and garlic added halfway through cooking. The result is golden, crispy potatoes with a fluffy interior, making them the ultimate side dish for any meal, especially for festive occasions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Maris Piper potatoes are recommended for consistency in making the perfect roast potatoes.
• 😀 Parboil the potatoes for 10 minutes in salted boiling water to start the cooking process.
• 😀 After draining, toss the potatoes in a colander to fluff up the edges for better crispiness.
• 😀 Choose your cooking fat: extra virgin olive oil for a healthy golden crunch, butter for a richer flavor, or goose fat for the crispiest texture.
• 😀 Always arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the roasting tray and season them with salt and pepper.
• 😀 Roast the potatoes at 190°C (375°F) for 30 minutes until lightly golden.
• 😀 After 30 minutes, use a masher to flatten the potatoes, increasing surface area for more crunch.
• 😀 Add herbs halfway through the roasting process to preserve their flavor without them burning. Rosemary works well here.
• 😀 Add a splash of vinegar and olive oil to the rosemary before adding it to the potatoes for an extra kick.
• 😀 Try other herb combinations for different flavors, such as thyme with garlic or sage with clementine zest for a seasonal twist.
• 😀 Roast for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes reach your desired level of crispiness and golden color.

Q & A

Why is Maris Piper the recommended potato for roast potatoes?

Maris Piper potatoes are recommended for their consistency and ideal texture, which makes them perfect for roasting. They hold their shape well while developing a crisp exterior and fluffy interior.

How long should you parboil the potatoes before roasting?

The potatoes should be parboiled for about 10 minutes in salted boiling water. This step softens the exterior, ensuring a better crunch once roasted.

What is the purpose of tossing the potatoes in the colander after draining them?

Tossing the potatoes in the colander roughens up the edges, increasing the surface area, which leads to a crispier texture when roasted.

What are the different fat options for roasting potatoes, and how do they affect the final result?

You can use extra virgin olive oil, butter, or goose fat. Olive oil provides a healthy option with a golden crunch, butter gives a sweeter, thicker crunch, and goose fat offers the thickest, crispiest texture.

Why is it important to roast the potatoes in a single layer on the tray?

Roasting the potatoes in a single layer ensures they cook evenly and develop a crispy exterior. Overcrowding the tray can lead to soggy potatoes.

What temperature should the oven be set to for roasting the potatoes?

The oven should be preheated to 190°C (375°F) for optimal roasting.

What is 'masher magic' and how does it enhance the roast potatoes?

'Masher magic' refers to gently mashing the potatoes after they’ve roasted for 30 minutes. This increases the surface area, creating more crispy edges and adding texture to the final dish.

When is the best time to add herbs like rosemary and garlic to the roast potatoes?

The best time to add herbs is halfway through the roasting process. Adding them too early causes them to burn, while adding them later allows the herbs to infuse a fragrant perfume without losing their flavor.

Can I experiment with different herbs for additional flavors in the roast potatoes?

Yes, you can experiment with various herbs. For example, thyme, garlic, bay leaves, sage, or even clementine zest can add unique flavors to the potatoes.

How long should the roast potatoes cook after adding herbs?

After adding the herbs, return the potatoes to the oven for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.