Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 kg (2.25 lbs) floury potatoes (such as Maris Piper or red-skinned Rooster potatoes)
Fat and Seasoning
- 120 g (1/2 cup) lard or duck fat (vegetable oil for vegetarian option)
- 1 tsp Maldon salt
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 220C/425F (fan setting) to ensure the roasting fat gets very hot.
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into chunky pieces about 2 inches (5 cm) across, slightly larger than a ping pong ball.
- Parboil the potatoes: Place the potato pieces into a pan, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook for 8-9 minutes until the edges are tender but the potatoes remain firm inside.
- Heat the fat: While the potatoes parboil, put the lard or duck fat into a large roasting tin and place it in the oven for 10 minutes until the fat is shimmering hot.
- Drain and rough up the potatoes: Drain the potatoes in a colander and shake them well to roughen their edges. This creates a fluffy surface which will absorb the fat and crisp up beautifully during roasting.
- Roast the potatoes: Using tongs, carefully place the potatoes into the hot fat in the roasting tin and turn them to coat thoroughly. Place the tin in the oven and roast for 30-35 minutes, turning the potatoes once or twice in the last 15 minutes to ensure even browning.
- Finish and serve: Once golden brown and crispy, remove the potatoes from the oven. Serve hot, sprinkled with Maldon salt and fresh thyme leaves for a fragrant, flavorful finish.
Notes
- Use floury potatoes like Maris Piper or Rooster for the best fluffy interior and crispy exterior.
- Roughing up the potatoes after parboiling is key to achieving a crispy crust.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute lard or duck fat with vegetable oil, although the flavor and crispiness will vary slightly.
- Turning the potatoes during roasting ensures even cooking and browning all around.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian