James Martin Christmas Roast Potatoes
James Martin’s Christmas Roast Potatoes feature a classic approach to making the perfect roast potatoes, with a few tips and techniques to guarantee crispiness and fluffiness. The potatoes are first parboiled, roughed up to create texture, and then roasted in hot goose fat or oil for the ultimate crunch. James Martin’s version brings out the festive flavors of the holiday season, making this dish a must-have on any Christmas dinner table.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 50
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
- Potatoes (1.5 kg, floury potatoes like Maris Piper or King Edward): These varieties ensure the best texture for roasting.
- Goose fat (100g): For a rich, festive flavor and the crispiest result. You can substitute it with vegetable oil if needed.
- Salt (to taste): Essential for seasoning the potatoes.
- Fresh rosemary (optional, a few sprigs): Adds a fragrant touch to the roast.
- Garlic cloves (4, smashed): Infuse the fat with a subtle garlic flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Place the roasting tray with goose fat inside the oven to heat up. Hot fat is key to getting the potatoes crispy.
Step 2: Prepare and parboil the potatoes
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into large chunks, about the size of a golf ball.
- Place the potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil.
- Boil for 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are just starting to soften but still hold their shape.
Step 3: Rough up the potatoes
- Drain the potatoes in a colander and allow them to steam dry for a few minutes.
- Shake the colander gently to rough up the edges of the potatoes. This helps create a crispy surface when they roast.
Step 4: Roast the potatoes
- Carefully remove the hot roasting tray from the oven.
- Add the roughened potatoes to the hot goose fat, turning them to coat evenly in the fat.
- Add the smashed garlic cloves and rosemary sprigs for extra flavor, if desired.
Step 5: Bake to perfection
- Roast the potatoes in the hot oven for 45-50 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking to ensure they crisp up on all sides.
- When the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven and season generously with salt.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the crispy roast potatoes hot as a side dish to your Christmas roast or holiday meal. These potatoes are perfect with turkey, beef, or lamb, adding a festive touch to your dinner.