Delia Smith’s Roasted Potatoes Recipe

Delia Smith’s roasted potatoes are nothing short of legendary in the UK. As one of Britain’s most trusted culinary voices, Delia champions traditional methods with precise technique, and her roasted potato recipe is the epitome of that ethos. These potatoes are renowned for their shatteringly crisp exterior, achieved through a simple but highly effective combination of parboiling, roughing up the edges, and roasting in very hot fat.

The result?

Deeply golden, crunchy shells that give way to creamy, fluffy centers.

What sets Delia’s approach apart is her methodical treatment of the potato. She often uses Maris Piper or King Edward varieties – starchy types that roast beautifully – and combines them with either goose fat for an indulgent richness or vegetable oil for a lighter but still crisp finish. Delia also insists on preheating the fat in the oven until it’s sizzling – a critical step for ensuring the all-important sear when the potatoes hit the tray.

Delia Smith’s Roasted Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To recreate Delia Smith’s roasted potatoes, you’ll need just a few humble but important ingredients:

• 1.5 kg (about 3 lbs) Maris Piper or King Edward potatoes
• 3-4 tablespoons goose fat or vegetable oil (sunflower or canola work well)
• Sea salt (Maldon flakes preferred)
• Freshly ground black pepper (optional, for a touch of warmth)

Optional additions:

• A few sprigs of rosemary or thyme (for aromatic depth)
• A couple of garlic cloves, unpeeled and slightly crushed (to roast alongside for fragrance)

📝 Pro Tip: The right potato makes or breaks this dish. Avoid waxy potatoes like Red Bliss or Charlotte – they won’t yield that fluffy interior.

Equipment Needed

Making perfect roasties à la Delia doesn’t require fancy tools, but having the right kit does help:

• Large saucepan (for parboiling)
• Roasting tin (metal, not glass – it retains and distributes heat better)
• Colander or sieve (for draining)
• Slotted spoon or spatula (for turning the potatoes)
• Oven preheated to 200°C (fan) / 220°C (conventional) / 425°F
• Tongs (optional but helpful for safe flipping)

Step-by-Step Guide To Make Delia Smith’s Roasted Potatoes

1. 🧼 Peel and Prep:
   Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks – roughly 5 cm across. This ensures uniform cooking.

2. 🔥 Parboil:
   Place the potatoes in a large pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 8-10 minutes – just until the edges start to soften.

3. 🚿 Drain and Fluff:
   Drain the potatoes in a colander. Give them a good shake – this roughs up the surfaces, creating ridges that will crisp up beautifully in the oven.

4. 🧴 Heat the Fat:
   While you’re parboiling, place your roasting tin with the fat in the oven to heat. It should be smoking hot when the potatoes are added.

5. 🍳 Sizzle Time:
   Carefully place the fluffed-up potatoes into the hot fat – they should sizzle on contact. Turn them to coat all sides evenly.

6. 🔁 Roast and Turn:
   Roast for 45-60 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure all sides get evenly browned. The potatoes should be golden and crisp.

7. 🧂 Season and Serve:
   Sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt and serve immediately. Optionally, toss in roasted garlic and fresh herbs for added aroma.

Mastering The Recipe: Tips And Tricks

• 🔥 Preheat that fat like your roast depends on it – because it does. Cold oil equals soggy potatoes.
• 🕒 Don’t overcrowd the pan. Space is key. If the potatoes are crammed in, they’ll steam instead of roast.
• 🌬️ Let the potatoes steam dry for a few minutes after draining. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
• 🧽 Shake, rattle, and roll. Don’t be afraid to be vigorous when roughing them up in the colander.
• 🧄 Infuse flavor by adding garlic cloves and fresh herbs halfway through roasting – this keeps them from burning.
• 🧊 Leftovers? Reheat in a hot oven for 10-15 minutes – they’ll regain most of their original crunch.

Delia Smith’s roasted potatoes are a masterclass in turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary. With her no-nonsense approach and time-tested technique, she’s created a roast potato recipe that’s as foolproof as it is delicious. The golden crust, the melting center, the rich scent wafting from the oven – this dish isn’t just a side; it’s often the star of the meal.

Once you master the basics, you can riff on it: try duck fat instead of goose fat, or throw in a pinch of smoked paprika or parmesan for a twist. But always return to the foundation – a fluffy interior wrapped in a crisp, caramelized coat. That’s the Delia difference.

Simple Twists On Delia Smith’s Roasted Potatoes Recipe

Delia Smith’s roasted potatoes are already the epitome of British comfort cooking-crispy on the outside, fluffy within, and deeply golden with a hint of savoury richness. But even a classic leaves room for creativity. Here are a few inspired twists to take her timeless recipe in exciting new directions:

1. Herb-Infused Elegance

   Swap Delia’s traditional goose fat for a fragrant rosemary and thyme-infused olive oil. Heat the oil with crushed garlic cloves and woody herbs until aromatic, then toss with parboiled potatoes.

   The result?

   Roasted potatoes that burst with herbal depth and an intoxicating aroma.

2. Parmesan & Polenta Crust

   After parboiling and shaking the potatoes to roughen their edges, dust them with a mixture of finely grated Parmesan and a spoonful of polenta. The cheese melts and crisps, while the polenta adds an extra crunch-perfect for elevating the texture game.

3. Smoked Paprika & Sea Salt Flair

   For a Mediterranean twist, sprinkle the potatoes with smoked paprika, sea salt, and a pinch of cayenne before roasting. This combo brings a warming, smoky undertone and a rich, reddish hue-ideal for serving with grilled meats or vibrant tapas.

4. Lemon Zest & Oregano Brightness

   Looking for a summery version?

   Add finely grated lemon zest and a sprinkle of dried oregano just before the final 10 minutes of roasting. It gives the potatoes a zesty lift, making them perfect alongside grilled fish or a Greek salad.

5. Mustard & Cider Vinegar Glaze

   Just before roasting, toss the potatoes in a spoonful of wholegrain mustard and a splash of cider vinegar. As they roast, the mustard caramelizes slightly, delivering tang and complexity. A revelation with roasted pork or sausage.

How To Properly Store Leftovers

Roasted potatoes are best fresh from the oven, but leftovers don’t have to be second-rate. Here’s how to store them like a pro and bring them back to life with finesse:

• Cool Quickly: Spread leftover potatoes out on a baking sheet to cool to room temperature quickly. This helps maintain their texture and prevents them from going soggy in storage.
• Airtight is Key: Transfer cooled potatoes to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay good for up to 3-4 days. Avoid storing them while still warm, which creates steam and softens that lovely crisp edge.
• Freeze for Longer Life: If you’ve made a big batch, freeze them! Lay potatoes on a tray in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating That Works: To restore crispiness, avoid the microwave. Instead, reheat in a hot oven (220°C / 425°F) for 15-20 minutes, or air-fry them for maximum crunch. A light drizzle of oil before reheating can work wonders.

What To Eat With Delia Smith’s Roasted Potatoes?

These potatoes are incredibly versatile and can elevate a wide array of dishes. Here are some fabulous pairings that turn roasted potatoes into the star of your meal:

1. The Sunday Roast Classic

   Pair them with roast beef, lamb, or chicken, accompanied by Yorkshire puddings, gravy, and buttered greens. The potato’s golden crust soaks up the juices perfectly.

2. Vegetarian Delight

   Serve them alongside a hearty mushroom Wellington, creamed spinach, and a tangy beetroot salad. The earthy tones of the mushrooms and the potatoes’ crispness are a natural match.

3. Breakfast Brilliance

   Give brunch a boost-reheat the potatoes and serve them with poached eggs, wilted spinach, and a dollop of hollandaise. Or turn them into a rustic hash with chorizo and roasted peppers.

4. Seafood Companion

   Try them with baked salmon, lemon butter cod, or garlic prawns. Their rich texture balances beautifully against the delicate flavors of seafood.

5. Global Inspirations

   Transform them into Patatas Bravas with a spicy tomato sauce and aioli, or serve with a Moroccan tagine-those crisp edges are ideal for soaking up spices and sauces.

Conclusion

Delia Smith’s roasted potatoes are more than a side dish-they’re a canvas for culinary creativity, a staple that bridges nostalgic tradition and modern flavor. Whether you stay true to the classic or jazz it up with zesty herbs, bold spices, or cheese-laced crusts, you’ll always end up with something delicious and deeply satisfying.

And with thoughtful storage and strategic pairing, those golden gems can keep on shining long after the first roast. So go ahead-make that big batch, try a twist, and let roasted potatoes take center stage.

FAQs

What Makes Delia Smith’s Roasted Potatoes Recipe So Special?

Delia Smith’s roasted potatoes recipe is widely loved for its crispy exterior and fluffy interior. The key to her recipe is using floury potatoes, like Maris Piper, which provide a light, airy texture.

She also advocates for parboiling the potatoes before roasting, which helps them achieve the perfect crisp. Delia’s use of a combination of butter and oil for roasting enhances the flavor and gives them a golden, crispy finish. Her attention to timing and temperature ensures that the potatoes cook evenly for a consistent result.

Can I Use Different Types Of Potatoes In Delia Smith’s Roasted Potatoes Recipe?

While Delia Smith recommends using floury potatoes such as Maris Piper or King Edward, you can substitute other varieties, but the result may vary slightly. Waxy potatoes, like new potatoes or Charlotte, are less ideal for roasting as they tend to retain moisture and may not become as crispy. If you use a waxy variety, consider increasing the roasting time and ensuring the potatoes are properly dried after parboiling for better results.

How Do I Make Sure My Delia Smith Roasted Potatoes Turn Out Crispy Every Time?

To achieve the signature crispiness in Delia Smith’s roasted potatoes, it’s important to follow a few key steps. First, parboil the potatoes until they’re just tender but not too soft.

Then, ensure that the potatoes are well-drained and given a rough toss to create a slightly broken surface, which increases the crispiness during roasting. Another critical element is using a hot roasting pan, pre-heated with a generous amount of fat, whether it’s a mix of butter and oil or just oil. The high heat will ensure the potatoes crisp up quickly while remaining soft on the inside.