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Achieving Extra Crispy Roast Potatoes: The Secret Ingredient Revealed
Crispy roast potatoes are the quintessential side dish for a Sunday roast, demanding a perfect balance of a crunchy exterior and a light, fluffy interior. For those seeking to elevate their Sunday lunch or Easter dinner with exemplary roast potatoes, the secret to achieving this superior texture has been unveiled.
The Unexpected Tip for Perfect Roast Potatoes
According to culinary insights shared on Simply Recipes, classically trained chef Molly Adams discovered an unconventional method to guarantee perfectly crisp roast potatoes and has consistently utilized this technique ever since. The inspiration struck while examining the packaging of frozen fries.
“I was prompted to explore this approach after noticing the ingredients listed on a package of frozen French fries,” Molly explained. “I observed they were coated in a mixture of starches to enhance their crispiness. Consequently, I decided to test this principle with roast potatoes. It turns out, dusting the potatoes with cornstarch is the key to achieving exceptionally crispy roasted potatoes!”
Molly disclosed her technique on the website, enabling others to recreate her flavourful discovery.
Method for Super Crispy Roast Potatoes
“After partially boiling the potatoes in salted water, I allow them to steam dry in a colander placed on my kitchen counter, or alternatively, briefly in the freezer if time is limited. Once the potatoes are dry to the touch and no longer emitting steam, I coat them with salt, black pepper, dried herbs, and spices – I favour oregano and paprika – and cornstarch. I typically use approximately one tablespoon for every 1 1/2 pounds of potatoes,” she detailed.
“I thoroughly toss the potatoes to ensure uniform coating, then transfer them to a well-oiled baking sheet with raised edges and toss again to ensure they are completely covered in oil. The potatoes are then roasted in a 450°F oven for a duration of 20 to 25 minutes. They will develop a golden-brown hue, become exceptionally crispy, and utterly delicious,” she added.
“The resulting potatoes possess an incredibly crisp outside, a tender and airy inside, and maintain their shape effectively. While I cannot definitively say my children prefer them over French fries, they willingly consume them, which I consider a significant success.”
The Science Behind the Crispiness
Cornstarch plays a crucial role by inhibiting gluten development and absorbing surface moisture from the potatoes. This moisture absorption is instrumental in creating a notably crispier outer layer.
Compared to flour or potato starch, cornstarch contains a higher concentration of amylose. This higher amylose content is precisely what makes cornstarch a superior choice for producing crispier roast potatoes for your meals.
Choosing the Best Potato Variety
Selecting the appropriate potato variety is also essential. Widely praised by British chefs for its fluffy interior and golden, crunchy exterior, the Maris Piper potato stands out as an excellent selection for roasting. Its elevated dry matter content translates to reduced water content, guaranteeing a crisper final result for your perfect roast potatoes.