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Crispy roast potatoes on a plate with a fork.

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5 chef hacks for the crispiest roast potatoes

Jack Croft and Will Murray of London’s Fallow share tips to elevate your roast potatoes to chef-level deliciousness

Jack Croft and Will Murray of London’s Fallow know a thing or two about crafting perfect sides – anyone who’s tried their fried corn ribs or kombu fries at the restaurant will attest to that. Here they turn their attention to arguably the greatest side of all, roast potatoes, with chef hacks that will see you turning out golden, crispy roast potatoes every time. 

What’s the best type of potato for roast potatoes?

Agria potatoes are a new breed of potato with low starch content, perfect for roasting, as it allows them to get crispier. We also recommend peeling the night before and leaving in water, as this helps remove the first layer of starch.

Should you parboil first or not?

Parboil first in water that is as salty as the sea. Make sure you’re moving them around when they’re boiling to start the process of ruffling the edges, and stir every five minutes or so. Boil for about 20 minutes, until fully cooked through.

Which fat should I use for roast potatoes?

Heat a 50/50 ratio of duck or goose fat to cooking oil (something with a high smoke point) in an oven tray. We like using this combo at Christmas for that extra touch of indulgence. In a separate pan, heat the same mix of fat until nearly smoking for basting.

How do I make my roast potatoes super crispy?

While you’re allowing the potatoes to steam after draining from the water, season them with a little extra salt, as this helps to draw out any additional moisture, making for an even crispier potato.

Any other tips/hacks?

Heating the oil separately in the pan and pouring it over is the way forward. As the potatoes are so delicate, the less you turn them, the more intact they stay. Add your hard herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage, etc.) five minutes before the end of your cooking, as this allows the flavour to infuse without becoming burnt or acrid.

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