Introduction
Roast potatoes are a quintessential side dish, perfect for family dinners or festive occasions. Jamie Oliver’s ultimate roast potatoes recipe takes this classic dish to new heights, ensuring that each potato is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. This simple yet transformative approach emphasizes quality ingredients and cooking techniques that guarantee delicious results every time.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 1.5 kg Maris Piper potatoes
– 4 tablespoons olive oil
– Sea salt
– Freshly ground black pepper
– A few sprigs of fresh rosemary (optional)
– 2 cloves of garlic (optional)
Prep Time
Preparation for the ultimate roast potatoes takes approximately 15 minutes. This quick prep allows you to focus on other aspects of your meal while ensuring your potatoes are prepped just right for roasting.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time for the roast potatoes is about 45 minutes, resulting in a total time of around 1 hour for the entire recipe. This yields approximately 6 servings, making it perfect for a family gathering or a cozy dinner for friends.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 220°C (428°F). It’s important to make sure the oven reaches the right temperature to achieve perfectly crispy roast potatoes.
Prepare the Potatoes
Choose good quality potatoes, ideally a floury variety like Maris Piper or King Edward. Peel the potatoes and chop them into even-sized chunks, roughly the size of golf balls.
Boil the Potatoes
Place the chopped potatoes in a large saucepan, cover them with cold water, and add a good pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil and cook for about 10 minutes or until the potatoes are just starting to soften.
Drain and Steam Dry
Once boiled, carefully drain the potatoes in a colander. Allow them to steam dry for a few minutes; this step is crucial for achieving crispy edges.
Rough Up the Potatoes
Gently shake the colander or use a fork to rough up the edges of the potatoes. This creates more surface area that will become crispy when roasted.
Add Fat
In a large roasting tray, add a generous amount of olive oil or duck fat and place it in the preheated oven for a few minutes until hot. Carefully add the roughened potatoes to the hot fat.
Season the Potatoes
Add a generous pinch of salt and any other seasonings you prefer, such as black pepper or fresh herbs. Toss the potatoes in the fat to ensure they’re evenly coated.
Roast the Potatoes
Return the tray to the oven and roast the potatoes for around 45-60 minutes. Turn them occasionally to ensure an even golden-brown color and maximum crispiness.
Check for Doneness
The potatoes are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, while the inside remains fluffy. Test one to ensure they are cooked through.
Serve Immediately
Once the roast potatoes are perfectly cooked, serve them hot as a delicious side dish to your meal.
Notes
Potato Variety
Floury potatoes are best for achieving a light and fluffy texture inside, while waxy potatoes tend to be denser.
Fat Choice
Using duck fat will give you an exceptional flavor, but olive oil or vegetable oil can also work well for roasting.
Seasoning Options
Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, or garlic, to enhance the flavor of the potatoes.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover roast potatoes, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can be reheated in the oven for best results.
Cook techniques
Selecting the Right Potatoes
Choosing the best variety of potatoes, such as Maris Piper or King Edward, ensures a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
Parboiling for Perfection
Parboiling the potatoes before roasting helps to create a fluffy texture inside while allowing for a crispy finish outside.
Roughing Up the Edges
Gently shaking the parboiled potatoes in the pot creates rough edges, which will help crisp up during roasting.
Choosing the Right Fat
Using goose fat or duck fat provides unrivaled flavor and helps achieve that golden-brown crispness.
Preheating the Fat
Heating the fat in the roasting tray until it’s smoking hot creates an immediate sizzle when the potatoes are added, enhancing crispness.
Don’t Overcrowd the Tray
Spacing out the potatoes on the tray ensures even cooking and browning, preventing steaming.
Turning for Even Cooking
Turning the potatoes halfway through the cooking time helps achieve uniform crispness on all sides.
FAQ
What types of potatoes are best for roasting?
Varieties like Maris Piper and King Edward are recommended for their texture and flavor.
Is parboiling necessary?
Yes, parboiling is essential for achieving a fluffy interior and aids in crisping the exterior when roasted.
Can I use oil instead of goose fat?
While you can use oil, goose fat or duck fat provides a richer flavor and better results.
How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the roasting tray?
Make sure to use plenty of fat and ensure the tray is hot before adding the potatoes.
What temperature should the oven be for roasting potatoes?
A high oven temperature, around 220°C (440°F), is ideal for achieving crispy roast potatoes.
Conclusion
Ultimate roast potatoes are a delightful addition to any meal, providing a crispy exterior and fluffy interior that complements a wide variety of dishes. Perfecting this recipe ensures that you can serve up a side that is both comforting and satisfying, making any occasion feel special.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Herb-Crusted Roast Chicken
Pair your ultimate roast potatoes with a juicy, herb-crusted roast chicken for a classic and hearty Sunday dinner.
Grilled Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce
Enjoy your potatoes alongside a light and flavorful grilled salmon, enhanced with a zesty lemon dill sauce.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
For a lighter option, serve the potatoes with a colorful vegetable stir-fry for a satisfying plant-based meal.
Beef Wellington
Elevate your dining experience by pairing roast potatoes with a luxurious beef Wellington, perfect for special occasions.
Mushroom Risotto
Combine the roast potatoes with creamy mushroom risotto for a delicious contrast of textures and flavors.
Barbecue Ribs
For a casual feast, serve your ultimate roast potatoes with tender barbecue ribs, creating a mouthwatering plate.
Caesar Salad
Balance the richness of the potatoes with a crisp Caesar salad for a refreshing side that adds brightness to your meal.