Steam-Roasted Potatoes: The Perfect Oven Method

Roasted potatoes are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that goes with almost any meal. While there are many ways to cook potatoes, roasting is one of the simplest methods to get tasty potatoes on the table. You can use a steam oven to make roasted potatoes, and this method has the added benefit of making the potatoes tender and fluffy on the inside, with a crispy, golden brown crust on the outside.

The benefits of steaming potatoes before roasting

Steaming potatoes before roasting them has several benefits, and it is a cooking method that is definitely worth trying out.

Firstly, steaming cooks the starches in the potatoes, giving them a fluffy interior. This is a great way to ensure that the inside of your potatoes is cooked to perfection, soft, and fluffy.

Secondly, steaming pre-cooks the potatoes, making the edges soft and creating a larger surface area. This is beneficial because it means that the potatoes will crisp up beautifully when roasted, giving you that sought-after crunchy texture on the outside. The soft edges also absorb any fat or oil that you toss the potatoes in before roasting, making them even crispier.

Another advantage of steaming is that it is a healthier alternative to other cooking methods, such as frying. Steaming potatoes helps to retain their flavour and nutrients, and it is also a convenient way to cook in advance if you are catering for a large group.

When it comes to the crunch (no pun intended!), the key to achieving the perfect roast potato is to steam them well. You want them to be cooked through, and then you can add your chosen fat or oil and roast them to golden, crispy perfection.

So, if you're looking for a way to elevate your roast potatoes, steaming before roasting is definitely a trick worth trying!

How to get crispy roast potatoes

Roast potatoes are a classic side dish that can be made even more delicious and crispy by using a steam oven. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect crispy roast potatoes:

Step 1: Choose the Right Potatoes

Select medium to low-starch potatoes such as Yukon Golds, red bliss, new potatoes, or fingerlings. If you prefer a starchy variety like russets, be sure to par-cook them before roasting.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash the potatoes and decide whether to peel them or not. Peeling is optional, but if you want maximum crunch, it's best to peel them. Cut the potatoes into halves or quarters, aiming for a size of about 1.5-2 inches in diameter.

Step 3: Steam the Potatoes

Preheat your steam oven to 212°F/100°C. Place the potatoes in a single layer in a stainless steel or heavy cast iron pan. Steam for around 30 minutes, or until they are tender. Alternatively, you can use a steam microwave on 100°C 300W for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Rough up the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are steamed, remove them from the oven and slightly crush or rough up the edges. This can be done by shaking the pan, knocking the pieces together, or lightly squeezing each potato. This step helps create an uneven surface for a crispier texture.

Step 5: Add Fat and Seasonings

Choose your preferred fat, such as olive oil, duck fat, or coconut oil. Generously coat the potatoes with the fat and season with salt and pepper. You can also add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.

Step 6: Roast the Potatoes

Change the oven setting to 350°F/180°C (convection setting without steam). Place the potatoes on a baking sheet or roasting tray and roast for 45 minutes to an hour. Avoid stirring or moving the potatoes too much during the first half of the roasting time to allow a good crust to form.

Step 7: Serve Crispy and Golden

Once the potatoes are golden, crisp, and crunchy on the outside, remove them from the oven. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Serve immediately for the best crispy roast potatoes!

The best types of potatoes for roasting

While all potatoes are delicious when roasted, some varieties are considered better than others for achieving the perfect roast spud: crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside.

The best potatoes for roasting are those with medium to low starch content. This includes Yukon Golds, Red Bliss, new potatoes, and most fingerlings.

Yukon Gold potatoes are considered the best all-purpose potatoes for roasting. They have the perfect amount of starch, which means they soften well in the oven, while their partially waxy texture helps them maintain their shape. They also have thin skins, which means they heat through quickly and evenly.

Other waxy potatoes such as Red Bliss, Russian Banana, and Fingerlings are also good for roasting as they hold their shape.

If you want to use a starchy potato, like a Russet, it is best to par-cook them before roasting.

For the perfect roast potatoes, it is also important to:

• Use plenty of fat. Duck fat, olive oil, or coconut oil are good choices.
• Leave space around the potatoes on the baking tray so they don't steam instead of roast.
• Don't overcrowd the baking tray.
• Use plenty of salt.
• Par-boil or steam the potatoes first to ensure a fluffy interior.
• Rough up the edges of the potatoes after steaming or boiling to create more surface area for crisping.
• Don't turn the potatoes while they are roasting—let them form a good crust.

Happy roasting!

How to season roast potatoes

Roast potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be seasoned in a variety of ways to elevate your meal. Here are some tips and tricks to help you season your roast potatoes to perfection:

Choose the Right Potatoes

Start by selecting the right type of potatoes. Medium to low-starch potatoes, such as Yukon Golds, red bliss, new potatoes, or fingerlings, are ideal for roasting. If you prefer a starchy variety like russets, be sure to par-cook them before roasting.

Prepare the Potatoes

Cut the potatoes into halves or quarters, aiming for a size of about 1-inch cubes. If you're using small potatoes, you can simply poke them with a fork or knife to allow steam to escape. Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for 15-20 minutes is optional but can help remove excess starch, resulting in crispier potatoes. Be sure to dry them well before adding any oil or fat.

Seasonings and Herbs

Now comes the fun part—seasoning your potatoes! Here are some ideas for seasonings and herbs to take your roast potatoes to the next level:

• Olive oil: Use extra-virgin olive oil for a classic option, or duck fat for a deeper, savoury flavour.
• Salt and pepper: Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. You can also use garlic powder or fresh minced garlic for added flavour.
• Herbs: Try rosemary, parsley, thyme, or a combination of these herbs. You can use fresh or dried herbs, depending on your preference.
• Spices: For a spicy kick, add smoked paprika, turmeric, or red pepper flakes. Alternatively, experiment with za'atar and cumin for a floral, smoky flavour profile.

Cooking Instructions

Preheat your oven to the desired temperature, usually between 350°F and 450°F, depending on your preference for cooking time and desired crispiness.

Toss the potatoes with the chosen oil, seasonings, and herbs. Ensure they are well coated. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet or tray, leaving some space between them to allow for even roasting and crisping.

Roast the potatoes in the oven until they are golden brown and fork-tender. This typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes and your desired level of crispiness. Be sure not to stir or move the potatoes too much during the first half of the cooking time, as this will help them develop a delicious crust.

Once they are crispy and cooked to your liking, remove them from the oven and give them a final toss with some extra flaky salt and freshly chopped herbs, if desired. Serve them hot and enjoy the delicious flavours and textures of your perfectly seasoned roast potatoes!

How long to roast potatoes for

Roast potatoes are a delicious, easy side dish for any meal. They can be crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, with bright, bold flavours.

The length of time you roast your potatoes for will depend on the size of your potatoes, the type of potato, and the temperature of your oven.

For example, if you are roasting potatoes at 425°F, you should allow 20-30 minutes for 1-inch potato cubes. If you are roasting at 350°F, you will need to allow 45-50 minutes. At 375°F, you are looking at 35-40 minutes. A higher temperature of 400°F will take 30 minutes, and at 450°F, you are looking at 20-25 minutes.

If you are using a steam oven, you will first need to steam your potatoes at 212°F/100°C for 30 minutes, and then roast at 350°F/180°C for 45 minutes to an hour.

It is important to note that the timing may vary depending on the size, type, and freshness of the potatoes you are using. You are looking for them to be fork-tender in the middle and browned around the edges.

Frequently asked questions