Looking for a flavourful and crispy side dish that pairs perfectly with almost any meal? Look no further than these delicious roast potatoes with rosemary and garlic! Tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, these potatoes are seasoned to perfection with fragrant rosemary and savoury garlic. Whether you’re serving them alongside a holiday roast or enjoying them as a weeknight side, these potatoes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and bursting with flavour, this recipe is a must-try for any potato lover!
I’ve always been a huge Roast Potato nerd. I just love them. I can even eat them as a stand alone meal (not actually joking). Regardless, I’ve always struggled to find a good vegan recipe. Most ‘good’ recipes include animal fats, but this is a recipe I put together several years ago and has served me well since. It’s a huge hit with my friends and family, and I’m sure it’ll be a hit with your too! (If you’re into potato recipes, and looking for others to try, maybe give this one a go)
Oh, by the way, I LOVE to hear your feedback. So please do get in touch if you’ve made these roast potatoes with rosemary and let me know how they went! (or you can tag me at my instagram account @georginaburgess_).
Is it Better to Boil Potatoes Before Roasting?
Boiling potatoes before roasting can help to make them more tender on the inside while creating a crispy exterior. However, it is not necessary to boil potatoes before roasting, especially if you are using a high-starch potato such as a Russet potato. Some people prefer to skip the boiling step and simply roast their potatoes directly in the oven with oil and seasoning. Personally though, I almost always par boil before placing potatoes in an oven.
Should I Poke Holes in Potatoes Before Baking?
It’s generally recommended to poke holes in potatoes before baking them. Poking holes in the potatoes allows steam to escape during the cooking process, which helps to prevent them from exploding in the oven.
If you do not poke holes in the potatoes, the steam produced during cooking can build up inside the potato, causing it to burst open. This can create a mess in your oven and can also be dangerous if the hot steam and potato contents come flying out.
To poke holes in the potatoes, simply use a fork to prick the skin of the potato in several places. This will allow the steam to escape and will help your baked potatoes cook evenly and safely.
How Long Can You Leave Par Boiled Potatoes Before Roasting?
If you have par boiled your potatoes before roasting, you should aim to roast them within a few hours to prevent them from drying out or going bad. However, you can store par boiled potatoes in the fridge for up to 24 hours before roasting. Make sure to cover them with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent them from drying out! I do however advise, where possible, par boiling directly before roasting for the best results.
What is the Best Potato to use in a Roast?
The best potato to use in a roast depends on personal preference, but generally speaking, high-starch potatoes such as Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are a good choice for this roast potatoes with rosemary recipe. These potatoes have a fluffy interior and a crispy exterior when roasted, making them ideal for roast potatoes. However, you can also use other varieties such as red or fingerling potatoes if you prefer a creamier texture.
Why Do You Add Salt to Potato Water?
Salting the water not only enhances the flavour of the potatoes but also helps to raise the boiling temperature of the water. When you add salt to water, it increases the boiling point of the water and allows it to reach a hotter temperature before it boils.
This hotter water temperature can help to cook the potatoes more evenly and reduce the cooking time slightly. Additionally, the salt can help to prevent the potatoes from falling apart during cooking by creating a more stable environment in the water.
It’s important to note that while salting the water can help with the cooking process, it’s important not to add too much salt as this can make the potatoes too salty. A general guideline is to add 1-2 teaspoon of salt per litre of water when boiling potatoes.
How To Make My Roast Potatoes with Rosemary Dish
If you’re looking to make these Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Potatoes (1 Kg, Maris Piper): Maris Piper is a type of potato known for its fluffy texture when cooked. It’s a good choice for roasting as it becomes crispy on the outside while maintaining a soft interior. Potatoes are the main ingredient in your dish and provide the bulk of the substance and flavour.
- Garlic (10 cloves, skins on, ends chopped off): Garlic adds a strong and aromatic flavour to your dish. Roasting garlic with its skins on allows it to become tender and mellow in taste. When roasted, garlic develops a rich, slightly sweet flavour that complements the potatoes and rosemary.
- Fresh Rosemary (1 Bunch): Rosemary is an herb with a strong, pine-like fragrance and a slightly woody taste. It’s often used in roasted dishes to infuse a fragrant aroma and a mild earthy flavour. Rosemary pairs well with both potatoes and garlic, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Light Olive Oil (100 ml, plus a little extra to drizzle halfway through): Olive oil is used to coat the potatoes and garlic, helping them crisp up during roasting and adding a luxurious texture. The addition of a little extra oil halfway through cooking can contribute to a more even browning and enhance the flavour.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to preference): Salt is a fundamental seasoning that enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and balances the overall taste. Black pepper adds a touch of spiciness and complements the other flavors in the dish.
Roast Potatoes with Rosemary & Garlic
Ingredients
- 1 Kg Potatoes (I like Maris Piper)
- 10 cloves Garlic (skins on, ends chopped off)
- 1 Bunch Fresh Rosemary
- 100 ml Light Olive Oil (+ a little extra to drizzle half way through)
- Salt to preference
- Black Pepper to preference
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes and chop into roughly evenly sized pieces
- Add to a large pan filled with water and a generous punch of salt
- Par boil for 7-10m minutes (a knife should be able to penetrate the potatoes around 1cm deep)
- Preheat the oven to 220c and drain the potatoes
- Let the potatoes cool for 5 minutes and shake them in the colander so the sides of the potatoes 'fluff up'
- Add the oil to a large roasting tin and place in the oven (to heat up the oil) for around 5 minutes
- Remove and immediately (but carefully) tip the potatoes in the oil (they should sizzle!)
- Toss them in the oil so they're coated and liberally add your salt and pepper
- Reduce the oven to 200c and roast the potatoes for 35 minutes
- After 35 minutes, remove the tray and toss the potatoes around
- Scatter the garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs on to the potatoes and drizzle a little more oil (if you wish)
- Place them back in the oven for a further 25 minutes – leave them longer if required until golden and crispy
Why Wont My Roast Potatoes Go Crispy?
There are several reasons why your roast potatoes with rosemary may not go crispy. One common mistake is not using enough oil to coat the potatoes, which can lead to them becoming dry instead of crispy. Another possible issue is overcrowding the baking tray, which can cause the potatoes to steam rather than roast. Finally, it is important to make sure that the oven is hot enough (around 200 degrees) and that the potatoes are evenly spaced on the tray!
But Can’t You Put Too Much Oil On Roast Potatoes?
While it is important to use enough oil to coat the potatoes, it is possible to use too much oil when making roast potatoes with rosemary and garlic. Excess oil can lead to the potatoes becoming greasy and can also create a fire hazard in the oven. As a general rule, you should aim to use around 2-3 tablespoons of oil per pound of potatoes.
Should I Cover Potatoes With Foil When Roasting?
Covering potatoes with foil when roasting can help to keep them moist and tender, but it can also prevent them from becoming crispy. If you prefer crispy potatoes, it is best to leave them uncovered while roasting. However, if you are worried about the potatoes drying out, you can cover them with foil for the first 15-20 minutes of cooking and then remove the foil for the remaining cooking time.
Do you Roast Potatoes at High or Low Temperature?
It depends on the cooking method you are using and the desired texture you want for your roast potatoes with rosemary.
For crispy roasted potatoes, it is best to roast them at a high temperature between 205-230°C. This high temperature helps to create a crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender.
On the other hand, if you prefer softer and more tender roasted potatoes, it is best to roast them at a lower temperature between175-190°C. This lower temperature allows the potatoes to cook evenly and become more tender.
Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference and the cooking method you are using. Just be sure to keep an eye on the potatoes and adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed to achieve your desired texture.
