Perfect Roast Potatoes

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 40 minutes (plus 30 minutes soaking)
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

These crispy, golden roast potatoes are made with duck or goose fat for extra richness, and seasoned with a rosemary salt that adds the perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg floury potatoes (e.g., Maris Piper or King Edward)
  • 4 tbsp duck or goose fat
  • 20 g cornflour
  • 1 tbsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp flaky sea salt

Method

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Heat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
  2. Prepare the Potatoes:
    • Peel the potatoes and chop them into evenly sized chunks.
    • Rinse them under cold running water to remove excess starch.
    • Place the potato chunks in a large bowl, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt and lemon juice. Soak for at least 30 minutes.
    • After soaking, rinse the potatoes again under cold water.
  3. Boil the Potatoes:
    • Transfer the potatoes to a large saucepan, cover them with cold water, and add a generous pinch of salt.
    • Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
    • Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them steam-dry for at least 30 minutes until they cool to room temperature.
  4. Prepare the Baking Tray:
    • Place the duck or goose fat in a large baking tray and put it in the preheated oven to warm up.
  5. Coat the Potatoes:
    • Pour the cornflour over the potatoes and shake them to coat evenly. This will help roughen the edges and make them extra crispy.
    • Carefully remove the baking tray with hot fat from the oven and tip the potatoes in slowly, watching out for oil splashes.
    • Quickly toss the potatoes in the hot fat, ensuring they are well coated, and spread them out in a single layer.
  6. Roast the Potatoes:
    • Roast the potatoes for 40 minutes, turning them 2-3 times to ensure even browning and crispness.
  7. Prepare the Rosemary Salt:
    • While the potatoes are roasting, grind the dried rosemary and flaky sea salt with a pestle and mortar to make the rosemary salt seasoning.
  8. Finish and Serve:
    • Remove the potatoes from the oven, drain any excess fat, and let them sit for 5 minutes.
    • Season generously with the rosemary salt before serving.

Chef’s Tips

  • Crispier Potatoes: Letting the potatoes steam-dry after boiling helps achieve a crispy exterior.
  • Fat Choice: Duck or goose fat adds richness, but you can substitute with olive oil for a lighter option.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 300
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Fats: 12 g