Maris Piper potatoes guarantee the ultimate crunch, says culinary expert

What You Need in Your Kitchen

Before firing up the oven, gather your essentials. You will need:

• High-starch potatoes, preferably Maris Piper potatoes
• Vegetable oil or your preferred roasting fat
• Heavy-duty roasting pan
• Colander and a clean tea towel
• Fine sea salt

The Four-Step Method to Crispy Perfection

First, peel your potatoes and cut them into uniform halves to ensure even cooking. Place them in cold water with plenty of salt, bringing it to a boil. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until a knife slides in but the potato easily slips off.

Second, drain the potatoes. Place the colander back over the warm pot, drape a clean tea towel over the top, and let them steam-dry for 10 minutes. Removing residual moisture is non-negotiable for crunch.

Third, preheat your roasting pan with a generous pour of Vegetable oil at 220°C.

Fourth, shake the dried potatoes in the colander to rough up the edges, creating a starchy paste. Carefully tumble them into the screaming hot oil, turning to coat. Roast at 220°C for 20 minutes, turn them, reduce the heat to 200°C, and roast for another 15 to 20 minutes until deeply golden.

Rescuing Your Roasties from Sogginess

Soggy potatoes happen when you skip the steam-drying step or crowd the pan. If the oil is not hot enough when the potatoes enter, they will absorb the grease instead of searing. Always ensure your pan and oil are thoroughly preheated before adding the starch.

The Golden, Fluffy Reward

The result of this disciplined approach is a plate of spectacular roast potatoes. Each bite delivers a dramatic crunch followed by a cloud of light, fluffy potato. It is a simple side dish made extraordinary through proper culinary technique.