Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Prepare the potatoes:
Peel the potatoes if you prefer (or leave the skins on for added texture and nutrients). Cut them into evenly sized chunks or wedges. About 2-3 cm per piece is ideal to ensure even cooking.
Parboil the potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot of cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes. The potatoes should be slightly tender but not fully cooked.
Drain the potatoes and let them sit in the colander for a minute or two to steam off excess moisture. This step helps to make them extra crispy when roasting.
3. Rough up the potatoes:
Gently shake the colander to rough up the edges of the potatoes. This creates more surface area for crispiness when roasting.
4. Season the potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and crushed garlic. Add a few sprigs of rosemary (or thyme) for flavor. If you want to add a fresh note, lemon zest can also be a nice addition.
5. Roast the potatoes:
Place the potatoes in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Make sure they are spread out so they roast evenly and don’t steam.
Roast in the preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through for even browning. The potatoes should be golden and crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside.
6. Finish with Parmesan (optional):
If you want to add a little extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top of the potatoes during the last 5-10 minutes of roasting. This will melt and crisp up nicely, adding an extra layer of richness.
7. Serve:
Once the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven. Garnish with a little more fresh rosemary or thyme and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Patate al Forno:
Type of potatoes: Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or Charlotte are ideal for roasting because they hold their shape and have a creamy texture. You can also use Russet potatoes if you want a fluffier interior.
Oil: Don’t skimp on the oil! The oil helps to create that crispy golden texture. If you prefer, you can mix olive oil with a bit of melted butter for extra richness.
Even size: Make sure all the potato pieces are roughly the same size to ensure they cook at the same rate.
Crispier potatoes: For an even crispier texture, try preheating the baking tray in the oven before adding the potatoes. This will help them start crisping up as soon as they hit the tray.
Flavor variations: You can also experiment with adding paprika, garlic powder, or a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy twist.
Resting: After removing the potatoes from the oven, let them rest for a minute or two before serving to maintain the crispy texture.
Pairing Suggestions:
Main dishes: These roast potatoes are great as a side for roast meats (like lamb, chicken, or beef), grilled fish, or even a vegetarian grain salad.
Sauces: Serve with a dollop of yogurt sauce, garlic aioli, or a simple lemon and olive oil dressing.
Patate al Forno are a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family dinners, holiday meals, or as a side for any casual gathering. Their crispy exterior and fluffy interior make them irresistible!
Would you like other variations or side dish ideas to complement this?
