Crispy Roast Potatoes

Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Baking tray or roasting pan
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula

Ingredients

• 2 kg (about 4.5 lbs) potatoes (Yukon Gold, Maris Piper, or Russet)
• 5 tablespoons vegetable oil or duck fat
• 1 tablespoon coarse salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 3 garlic cloves, lightly crushed
• Optional: pinch of paprika for color
• Optional: flaky sea salt for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Wash and peel the potatoes. You can leave some skin on for rustic texture if preferred.
2. Cut them into evenly sized chunks—about 5–6 cm (2 inches). Uniform pieces ensure even cooking.
3. Place the cut potatoes into cold salted water.
4. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat.

Step 2: Parboil for Fluffy Centers

1. Boil the potatoes for 8–10 minutes.
2. You want the outer layer softened while the center remains firm.
3. To test readiness:
4. Insert a knife into the edge.
5. It should slide in slightly but not break apart.
6. Drain thoroughly using a colander.
7. Allow the potatoes to steam dry for 2 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Crispy Surface

1. Return the drained potatoes to the empty pot.
2. Cover with the lid and gently shake for 10–15 seconds.
3. This roughens the outer layer and creates tiny textured edges that become beautifully crisp.
4. Add:
5. Salt
6. Pepper
7. Garlic powder
8. Onion powder
9. Shake again lightly to coat.

Step 4: Preheat the Tray

1. Preheat oven to 230°C (450°F) .
2. Place your roasting tray inside the oven with the oil or duck fat.
3. Heat for 5 minutes until the oil is shimmering.
4. Carefully remove the hot tray.
5. Arrange potatoes in a single layer.
6. Add rosemary, thyme, and crushed garlic.
7. Turn each piece to coat in oil.

Step 5: Roast Until Deep Golden

1. Place the tray into the oven.
2. Roast for 25 minutes .
3. Remove the tray and flip each potato carefully.
4. Return to the oven for another 25–35 minutes .
5. Watch for these signs of doneness:
6. Deep golden color
7. Audible crispness when tapped
8. Crunchy exterior
9. Soft interior
10. For extra crispiness, roast an additional 5 minutes.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

1. Remove from oven.
2. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt while hot.
3. Discard garlic cloves if desired.
4. Serve immediately for maximum crunch.

Nutrition

Calories: 310 · Protein: 5 g · Fat: 14 g · Carbohydrates: 41 g · Saturated Fat: 2 g · Fiber: 4 g · Sugar: 2 g