They are the perfect accompaniment to a Sunday roast but they just have to be extra crunchy and cripsy on the outside while still being fluffy and light inside.
So what is the secret ingredient that helps achieve that perfect roast potato to elevate your Sunday roast this Easter.
On the Simply Recipes website classically trained chef Molly Adams explains the unexpected way she discovered the secret ingredient to perfect roasties and hasn’t looked back.
Molly shared: “I was inspired to try this trick after reading the label on a bag of frozen French fries.
“I realised that they are coated in a blend of starches to help crisp them up. So, I decided to give the method a shot with roasted potatoes. And it turns out, coating the potatoes with cornstarch is the secret to super crispy roasted potatoes!”
Molly revealed her method on the website so others can enjoy her tasty discovery.
She wrote: “After parboiling the potatoes in a pot of salted water, I let them steam dry in a colander set on my kitchen counter, or in the freezer if I am pressed for time. Once the potatoes are dry to the touch and no longer steaming, I coat them in salt, black pepper, dried herbs, and spices (I like oregano and paprika), and cornstarch. I use about a tablespoon for every 1 1/2 pounds of potatoes.
“I toss the potatoes well to make sure everything is coated evenly, then I add them to a well-oiled rimmed sheet pan and toss again so the potatoes are fully coated with oil. The potatoes then go into a 450°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes. They’ll get golden brown, super crispy, and delicious.
“The resulting potatoes are incredibly crisp on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, and hold their shape well. I can’t say my kids prefer them to French fries, but they will eat them, which is a big win in my book.”
Cornstarch helps prevent gluten development and absorbs moisture from the potatoes which means a crispier coating.
Cornstarch contains a higher percentage of amylose than flour or potato starch which is what makes it a better choice for making crispier roast potatoes.
It is also important to choose the right potato. Celebrated by numerous British chefs for its fluffy inside and golden, crunchy outside, the Maris Piper is the exceptional choice for your roast. Its higher dry matter content results in less water, ensuring a crispier finish.
