Few foods spark as much discussion around a British dining table as potatoes. And the stand-out way to enjoy this enduring favourite? Regularly voted the roastie – as part of a traditional Sunday lunch. But not all roast potatoes are made the same, and for most Brits, the quality will make or break the dining experience.
So, why are we so picky about our roasties, and what is the best method for delivering perfect potatoes every time? Read on to find out.
- The roast potato as a British institution
Roast potatoes hold a special place in British culture because they’re a cornerstone of traditional meals, from the weekly family Sunday lunch to special festive feasts. While food trends are causing sweet classics like puddings, pies and crumbles to disappear from our dining tables, roast potatoes are an enduring comfort that links Brits of all ages, locations and backgrounds.
Parents and grandparents often pass down cooking methods to younger family members, while friends dining together exchange tips on achieving the perfect texture. Many people remember helping in the kitchen before a Sunday roast, watching potatoes turn golden in a hot oven. The very sight and smell of this side gives roast potatoes an emotional value that goes far beyond flavour.
- Ways to enjoy the humble roast potato
Roast potatoes shine through in a traditional Sunday roast. A survey conducted by Britain’s biggest bingo site tombola has revealed the nation’s top spots for enjoying a roast dinner outside of the home, which range from Durham and Northumberland all the way down to Devon and Kent. Loxley’s Restaurant and Wine Bar in Stratford-Upon-Avon took the crown, based on Tripadvisor score, number of reviews, price and choice of meat and vegetarian alternatives.
With summer setting in, you might not be tempted by a hearty midday dinner. Thankfully you can enjoy roasties in plenty of other ways! Try them in a breakfast hash with eggs and vegetables, toss them into salads – best done warm when they can absorb some dressing – or have them as a side with sausages or steaks or even fish, alongside a helping of seasonal vegetables.
- What makes a ‘proper’ roast potato?
Ask ten Brits what makes a proper roast potato, and you will likely hear several variations on the same theme. A golden, crisp outer layer that cracks open to reveal a soft and fluffy centre. Poor preparation and cooking can result in soggy potatoes that are heavy and claggy, or dry insides lacking in flavour.
Widely agreed by the best chefs and home cooks alike, the secret recipe for great roast potatoes is:
- Step 1: Source quality versions of floury potatoes such as Maris Piper or King Edward, buying local or organic where possible.
- Step 2: Parboil your potatoes for 10-12 minutes in salted water.
- Step 3: Let them steam dry in a colander for a few minutes. Gently shaking the potatoes at this stage roughens the edges, for crunchier corners once roasted.
- Step 4: Heat up oil or duck or goose fat in your roasting tin, and sprinkle your potatoes with salt and herbs like rosemary and thyme for flavour.
- Step 5: Add the potatoes to the dish – you should hear a sizzle! – and toss lightly to coat them in the fat.
- Step 6: Roast them in the oven at around 200°C for approximately 40 minutes, flipping them halfway to ensure even browning.
- How air fryers are dividing the nation
Air fryers have introduced a new chapter in the roast potato debate. Some households now rely on them for everyday cooking, while others remain loyal to traditional oven roasting.
Supporters appreciate the convenience and cost-effectiveness of an air fryer. They cook potatoes more quickly and use less energy than a large oven. You can also achieve consistent crispiness with less or no reliance on oil.
Traditionalists argue that oven roasting delivers a deeper flavour and a more authentic roast dinner experience, giving the potatoes the characteristic golden edges and allowing for more experimentation with fats, herbs and spices.
Which side of the debate do you fall on?!
