Roast potatoes are a classic side dish that can elevate any meal. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them an excellent side dish. However, making the perfect roast potatoes can be a challenge. This article will discuss tips and tricks for making the perfect roast potatoes.
Choose The Right Potatoes
Choosing the right ones is the first step in making the perfect roast potatoes. You want to choose starchy potatoes with a dry, floury texture. This will help the potatoes to become crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Some of the best types of potatoes for roasting include King Edward, Maris Piper, and Rooster. These potatoes are widely available in supermarkets and are perfect for making roast potatoes.
Cut The Potatoes Properly
The next step in making the perfect roast potatoes is to cut the potatoes properly. You want to cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate. If the potatoes are not cut evenly, some pieces may be undercooked while others are overcooked.
It is recommended that you cut the potatoes into pieces that are roughly the same size as a golf ball. This will ensure that the potatoes cook evenly and are the perfect size for roasting.
Parboil The Potatoes
Parboiling the potatoes before roasting is crucial in making the perfect roast potatoes. Parboiling involves boiling the potatoes briefly to soften them slightly before roasting.
To parboil the potatoes, place them in a pot of boiling water and cook them for 5-10 minutes. You want to cook the potatoes until they become tender but not completely cooked.
Drain And Shake The Potatoes
Once the potatoes are parboiled, you want to drain them and shake them gently. This will help to create a rough surface on the potatoes, which will help them become crispy when roasted.
To shake the potatoes, place them in a colander and gently toss them around. You want to be careful not to break the potatoes apart, but you want to create a rough surface on the outside of the potatoes.
Preheat The Oven And Oil The Tray
The next step in making the perfect roast potatoes is to preheat the oven and oil the tray. You want to preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6. This will ensure the oven is hot enough to cook the potatoes properly.
You also want to oil the tray to prevent the potatoes from sticking. You can use olive oil or vegetable oil to oil the tray. Make sure to spread the oil evenly over the tray.
Add The Potatoes To The Tray
Once the tray is oiled, you want to add the potatoes. Make sure to distribute the potatoes so that they cook evenly.
You also want to season the potatoes with salt and pepper. To flavor the potatoes, you can add other seasonings, such as rosemary or thyme.
Roast The Potatoes
The final step in making the perfect roast potatoes is to roast them in the oven. You want to roast the potatoes for 45-60 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy outside.
You may also want to turn the potatoes over halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
Conclusion
Making the perfect roast potatoes requires a few simple steps, but the results are well worth it. By choosing the right potatoes, cutting them properly, parboiling them, shaking them, preheating the oven, oiling the tray, adding the potatoes to the tray, and roasting them, you can create the perfect side dish for any meal. However, some additional tips and tricks can help you take your roast potatoes to the next level.