19 Dec Gorgeous, Crispy Roast Potatoes

Posted at 12:03h in Small by Elizabeth Peddey 1 Comment

BEGINNER COURSE

Small

Gorgeous, Crispy Roast Potatoes

19 December 2018

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PREP: 10 mins - COOK: 40 Mins - SERVES: 6

I am always being asked for a fool proof method of roasting potatoes. I am a big believer in choosing the right potato to roast and I commonly use the Dutch Cream variety.

There are simpler variations than this recipe but this method certainly produces lovely crispy potatoes every time. I am sure the secret lies not only in the Dutch Cream potatoes but also minimising the water held with in the potatoes. This is achieved by first steaming them - rather than boiling them and then dehydrating the potatoes a little before cooking them. Of course the duck fat doesn’t do much harm either.

If you dont have duck fat - use extra virgin olive oil.

Delaying the salting until the potatoes are cooked and out of the oven enhances the colouring and crispiness of them. A sprinkle of Maldon Sea Salt or Murray River Salt Flakes to the cooked potatoes adds some extra crunch and of course the lovely salty seasoning.

This recipe is for 6 - if cooking for fewer people, allow about 150g potatoes per person.

A wide Chinese bamboo steamer is the ideal steamer to use. You can of course steam the potatoes in batches if necessary - the most important thing is to steam (and roast them) in a single layer for best results.

I love the fact that the potatoes are all prepared and basically cooked in advance. Allow at least 4 hours between steaming and roasting them. This gives them time to cool down and dehydrate a little. Leaving them in the fridge - uncovered overnight is also OK. The roasting time is reduced considerably.

It is best to do the roasting while the meat is resting and being carved. This means the potatoes will be served straight from the oven - as they should be!

ingredients

1 kg Roasting Potatoes such as Dutch Cream

2 - 4 tablespoon Duck Fat

Maldon sea salt, To serve

Rosemary, optional

equipment

Chopping Board; Paring knifer; Peeler; Steamer or Steam Basket and Saucepan; Tray or Platter for the fridge; Baking Tray; Serving Dish

method

Step 1

Peel (optional) and rinse the potatoes well.

Cut into thick slices

Arrange on a large, wide steamer - fitted over a pot of boiling water.

Cover with a lid and steam for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are just tender.

Remove the steamer from the pot and elevate it above a colander to allow maximum air circulation around the potatoes as they cool.

Once all the moisture has evaporated and the potatoes are cooled, arrange them on a tray and place them in the refrigerator to continue drying and to cool down.

Step 2.

Preheat the oven to 220C:

Select a baking tray that is large enough to hold the potatoes in a single layer.

Place it in the oven to preheat for about 10 minutes - a hot tray will mean that the potatoes are less likely to stick to the bottom as they cook

When the tray is hot - remove it from the oven and add the duck fat.

Return the tray to the oven if necessary to get the duck fat to melt

Add the potatoes to the melted duck fat, tossing them in the fat with a metal spoon, to cover all surfaces

Place the potatoes into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes.

Turn them using a metal spatula and return the pan to the oven to finish cooking - another 5 - 10 minutes should be enough

Step 3.

To serve:

Remove the potatoes from the tray using a metal spatula or spoon