Importance Score: 20 / 100 🔵
Achieving Perfect Crispy Roast Potatoes: The Overlooked Tip
Social media platforms are awash with advice on creating the ultimate crispy roast potatoes, from boiling them in stock or gravy to par-cooking them until almost mashed. However, Ann Russell, the celebrated TikTok culinary and homekeeping expert, known for her helpful guidance and amiable demeanor, suggests a frequently neglected technique to guarantee flawlessly crisp potatoes every time.
The Moisture Factor
In a TikTok video, Russell observed that while numerous recipes circulate, a crucial element is often overlooked: moisture, or rather, the lack of it. She clarified, “The secret to crunchy roast potatoes lies in the starch. When starch encounters hot fat, it bursts and crisps. Parboiling facilitates this. However, a common oversight is oven moisture. Excessive moisture can hinder crisping, explaining why air fryer potatoes often succeed due to less steam buildup in the smaller appliance.”
Steam and Soggy Potatoes
Russell further explained, “This is why during substantial cooking occasions like Christmas dinner, roast potatoes can become soggy if cooked alongside numerous other dishes.”
Checking for Oven Moisture
According to Russell, regardless of the chosen cooking method, if oven-roasting and crispiness are elusive, assess the moisture levels inside the oven. Open the oven door briefly; there should be no visible steam.
She cautioned, “If steam is present, it will condense and re-absorb into the potatoes, leading to a softened texture.”
Russell’s Recommended Technique
Russell advises completing all potato preparation, including parboiling, before removing other dishes from the oven.
Dispelling Steam
Subsequently, Russell recommends briefly opening and closing the oven door to release any accumulated steam, then restoring the oven to the desired cooking temperature for roasting the potatoes.
Avoid Overcrowding
Another valuable tip from the cooking expert is to avoid overcrowding the potatoes on the roasting tray. Adhering to the principle of ‘less is more’ is key to achieving the perfect crispy exterior.