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**How to parboil potatoes**:
1. Place the cut potatoes in a pot of cold water, ensuring they’re fully submerged.
2. Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are just starting to soften around the edges.
3. Drain the potatoes well and let them sit for a few minutes to steam off any excess moisture.
#### Step 5: Rough Up the Edges
Once your potatoes are parboiled and drained, it’s time to rough them up. Using a spoon, gently shake or toss the potatoes to create rough edges. These rough edges will become extra crispy during roasting and add to the texture of your potatoes.
#### Step 6: Coat with Oil or Fat
This is where the magic happens! For ultra-crispy potatoes, use a generous amount of oil or fat. Olive oil works well, but for even crispier results, duck fat or goose fat is the secret weapon. These fats have a high smoke point, allowing the potatoes to crisp up perfectly without burning.
Toss your parboiled potatoes in the fat, making sure each piece is well-coated. You can also add salt and pepper at this stage, or sprinkle some garlic powder and fresh herbs for extra flavor.
#### Step 7: Roast at the Right Temperature
Preheat your oven to a high temperature—around **425°F (220°C)**. A hot oven is essential for getting that crispy texture. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they’re not crowded. Crowding the pan can lead to steaming, not roasting.
For optimal crispness, use a **cast iron skillet** or **baking tray** with a heavy surface. These materials retain heat well and ensure an even roast. Bake for **40-45 minutes**, turning the potatoes halfway through to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
#### Step 8: Don’t Forget the Final Touches
Once your potatoes are golden brown and crispy, take them out of the oven and give them a final sprinkle of salt. If you want a bit of extra flavor, try a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or dust them with grated parmesan for a cheesy finish. Freshly chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme also make a perfect garnish.
### Bonus Tips for Extra Crispy Roast Potatoes:
– **Use a hot baking tray**: Preheat your baking sheet or roasting pan in the oven while it heats up. When you add the potatoes to a hot surface, it immediately starts crisping the edges.
– **Avoid overcrowding**: Giving the potatoes space to roast ensures they get crispy on all sides. If you overcrowd the pan, the potatoes will steam instead of roast.
– **Turn them halfway**: Turning the potatoes halfway through cooking will ensure they crisp evenly.
– **Don’t skip the parboiling**: This step is critical for achieving that fluffy interior and crispy outside. It’s the secret to roast potato perfection!
### Variations on the Classic Roast Potato:
While the classic method of roasting potatoes with oil, salt, and pepper is a winner every time, don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasoning! Here are a few fun variations:
– **Garlic and Herb Roasted Potatoes**: Add smashed garlic cloves, fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley to your potatoes before roasting.
– **Spicy Roasted Potatoes**: Toss the potatoes with paprika, chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne for a little kick.
– **Parmesan Crusted Potatoes**: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the potatoes for a cheesy, crispy finish.
– **Lemon and Dill**: Add a zesty squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh dill for a fresh, vibrant twist.
### Final Thoughts
Roast potatoes that are perfectly crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside are the ultimate comfort food. By following these simple steps—parboiling, roughing up the edges, using the right fat, and roasting at a high temperature—you’ll get crispy potatoes every time. Whether you’re serving them with a Sunday roast or just enjoying them as a snack, these crispy potatoes are sure to be a hit.
So, next time you’re craving the perfect roast potatoes, follow these tips, and get ready to impress your family and friends with a side dish that’s as crispy as it is delicious!
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