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Whether you're serving turkey, beef, or a vegetarian centrepiece, these humble spuds are often the star of the show.
Here are some tips to ensure your roast potatoes steal the spotlight this Christmas.
1. Choose the Right Potato
The variety of potato you use is crucial. Opt for floury types like Maris Piper, King Edward, or Desiree. These varieties have a high starch content, which helps achieve that fluffy interior and crispy exterior.
2. Cut Them to the Right Size
Cut your potatoes into evenly sized chunks. Larger pieces give you a fluffy interior, while smaller ones crisp up faster. A mix of sizes can also work well if you want a variety of textures.
3. Parboil for Fluffiness
Parboiling is a non-negotiable step. Boil your potatoes in salted water for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges start to soften. This softening helps create the rough, starchy surface that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
4. Rough Them Up
Once drained, give the potatoes a gentle shake in the pan or use a fork to rough up the edges. This step is key to creating those crispy, golden bits.
5. Choose the Right Fat
The fat you use can make or break your roasties. Goose fat or duck fat is traditional and delivers incredible flavour and crispness. For a vegetarian option, opt for a high-quality olive oil or rapeseed oil. Heat the fat in your roasting tin in a hot oven (around 200°C/400°F) before adding the potatoes.
6. Season Generously
Don’t skimp on seasoning. Sprinkle your potatoes with salt and pepper before roasting. For an extra touch of festive flavour, add garlic cloves, rosemary, or thyme to the tray.
7. Give Them Space
Crowding the tray is a common mistake. Ensure the potatoes have plenty of room to roast, not steam. Use two trays if necessary, as this allows the hot air to circulate and crisp up every side.
8. Turn Them Halfway
Turn the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. This also helps coat them in the hot fat for maximum crunch.
9. Cook at the Right Temperature
Roast your potatoes at a high temperature (around 200°C/400°F) for 45-60 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent burning and ensure they're perfectly golden.
10. Serve Immediately
Roast potatoes are at their best straight out of the oven. Serve them hot and crisp to ensure everyone enjoys them at their peak.
Bonus Tip: Make Ahead
If you’re juggling multiple dishes on Christmas Day, you can parboil and rough up your potatoes the day before. Store them in the fridge and roast them on the day for stress-free preparation.
By following these tips, your roast potatoes will be the talk of the table this Christmas. Whether you like them golden and crispy or with a hint of extra seasoning, these techniques will guarantee spud perfection. Happy roasting and Merry Christmas!