Perfect Christmas Roast Potatoes
The perfect Christmas roast potatoes are golden, crispy on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside. This classic side dish elevates any holiday meal with minimal effort, ensuring that your festive dinner is a culinary triumph. Whether you’re serving them alongside a Christmas roast or adding them to a hearty vegetarian spread, these potatoes are sure to steal the show!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (Aloo) | 1/2 kg (peeled and cut into large chunks) |
| Cornflour (cornstarch) | 1 tablespoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon (optional) |
| Garlic Powder | 1/2 teaspoon (optional) |
| Onion Powder | 1/2 teaspoon (optional) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Sunflower Oil | 1/4 cup |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: European
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
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Boiling the Potatoes: Start by boiling 3-4 cups of water in a large pot, adding 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Once the water is at a rolling boil, add the chopped potatoes. Allow them to cook for just 3 minutes. This quick parboiling step helps to soften the potatoes while ensuring they maintain their structure during roasting.
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Draining and Cooling: After the 3 minutes of boiling, drain the potatoes in a colander. Allow them to cool for about 5-6 minutes. This cooling step ensures that excess moisture is removed, which is key to achieving crispy potatoes.
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Seasoning and Coating: In a separate bowl, mix together the cornflour, red chilli powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Once the potatoes have cooled slightly, generously sprinkle the seasoning mixture over them. Toss the potatoes gently to coat them evenly with the flour mixture. This coating is what gives the potatoes their signature crispiness during roasting.
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Roasting the Potatoes: In a large frying pan, heat the butter and sunflower oil over a low flame. Once the oil is hot, add the flour-coated potatoes to the pan, spreading them out so that they do not overlap. This ensures that each potato chunk has enough space to roast evenly and develop a perfect crispy exterior.
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Roast to Perfection: Let the potatoes roast for 35-40 minutes, turning them every 5-7 minutes to ensure they are roasted uniformly. The key is to toss them gently to prevent breaking, but often enough that all sides get golden and crispy.
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Serving: Once the potatoes are golden and crispy, they are ready to serve! Place them on a serving dish, and they’re ready to be enjoyed alongside your Christmas feast or any festive meal.
Tips for the Best Christmas Roast Potatoes:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: For the crispiest texture, choose starchy potatoes like Russets or Maris Pipers, which break down slightly during boiling and create a fluffy interior.
- Parboil Correctly: Do not overcook the potatoes during the parboiling stage; a quick 3 minutes is enough to start softening them.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When roasting, make sure the potatoes are not overcrowded in the pan. This gives them the room to roast properly and become crispy on all sides.
- Add Fresh Herbs: For a fresh twist, try adding rosemary, thyme, or sage to the oil before roasting. These herbs complement the potatoes beautifully and add an aromatic flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Perfect Christmas Roast Potatoes are the ideal side dish to complement your holiday meal, combining simplicity, flavor, and elegance in every bite. Whether you’re preparing a traditional feast or a vegetarian spread, these potatoes will add a comforting touch to your dinner table, making your Christmas celebration even more memorable.
