Roast potatoes are a classic side dish known for their crispy exterior and tender, fluffy interior. They are a favorite accompaniment to roast meats, especially during holiday dinners like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Here’s a basic recipe for making delicious roast potatoes:
Ingredients:
- 2 to 2.5 pounds (about 1 kg) of potatoes (russet, Yukon Gold, or other starchy varieties work well)
- 3-4 tablespoons of vegetable oil or duck fat
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: garlic cloves, fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme), or paprika for added flavor
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Peel the potatoes (or leave the skins on if you prefer) and cut them into evenly sized chunks or wedges. Aim for pieces that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
- Place the potato pieces in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer for about 5-7 minutes. You want them to be partially cooked but still firm. You can check doneness by inserting a knife; it should meet some resistance.
- Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander and let them sit for a few minutes to steam off excess moisture. You can shake the colander gently to roughen up the edges of the potatoes; this helps create a crispy exterior when roasted.
- While the potatoes are draining, place a roasting pan or baking sheet in the oven to preheat.
- Remove the preheated pan from the oven, add the vegetable oil or duck fat, and place it back in the oven for a few minutes to heat the fat.
- Carefully add the drained potatoes to the hot fat in the roasting pan. Use a spatula or spoon to coat the potatoes with the hot fat. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. If desired, you can add garlic cloves and fresh herbs or season with paprika for extra flavor.
- Spread the potatoes out in a single layer in the roasting pan, ensuring they have some space between them. This will help them become crispy.
- Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Turn them occasionally with a spatula to ensure even browning.
- Once the roast potatoes are cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove them from the oven and drain any excess fat on paper towels.
- Serve the roast potatoes hot as a side dish for your favorite roast meats or other main courses.
Enjoy your homemade roast potatoes with your favorite gravy or dipping sauce!
