Crispy Roasted Potatoes

 Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key to achieving crispy potatoes.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
   • Place the potato chunks in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil.
   • Boil the potatoes for 5-7 minutes, just until they start to become tender but not fully cooked. This parboiling step helps to create a fluffy interior while the exterior crisps up during roasting.
   • Drain the potatoes well and let them sit for a minute to dry out.
3. Season the Potatoes:
   • In a large bowl, toss the parboiled potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and any other desired spices like thyme, rosemary, or cayenne pepper.
   • Make sure each potato piece is evenly coated with the oil and seasoning.
4. Roast the Potatoes:
   • Spread the potatoes out in a single layer on a baking sheet. For best results, use a sheet with enough space so the potatoes aren’t overcrowded, which helps them crisp up better.
   • Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then flip the potatoes to ensure even browning.
   • Continue roasting for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
5. Finish and Serve:
   • Once the potatoes are crispy and cooked through, remove them from the oven.
   • Optionally, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bit of color and freshness.
   • Serve immediately while they are hot and crispy.

Tips:

• Variety of Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for roasting as they have a good balance of starchy and waxy textures.
• Crispier Potatoes: After draining, you can shake the potatoes gently in the colander to roughen up the edges. This will create more surface area that will crisp up in the oven.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices such as smoked paprika, rosemary, or even grated Parmesan for different flavor profiles.

These crispy roasted potatoes are the perfect side dish for just about any meal, whether it’s a roast dinner, a barbecue, or a simple weeknight meal. They’re also great on their own as a snack!