James Martin Shares His Ultimate Roast Potato Recipe for Perfect Crispiness Every Time

Renowned TV chef James Martin has unveiled what he calls his “best” roast potato recipe, designed to be simple yet delicious, delivering crispy roasties every time. Perfect for festive dinners or a classic Sunday roast, this recipe requires just three basic ingredients and six straightforward steps.

With the holidays just around the corner, James’s method promises a stress-free way to impress your guests. He guarantees that following these instructions will yield perfectly crispy roast potatoes every time.

The recipe serves six to eight people, with easy adjustments for larger or smaller portions. Here’s what you’ll need: 10 large King Edward potatoes, 50g of lard, dripping or vegetable oil, and two generous pinches of salt.

Begin by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into large chunks. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or Gas mark 6. While the oven warms up, boil the potatoes in a large pan of water for about 4–5 minutes until the edges start to soften.

Next, drain the potatoes thoroughly and give them a gentle shake in the colander or pan. This step roughens up the edges, which helps create that coveted crispy texture once roasted.

Now, melt the lard, dripping, or vegetable oil in a deep, flameproof roasting tray over high heat on the stovetop. Carefully add the potatoes, frying them on each side until golden brown.

Sprinkle two pinches of salt over the potatoes, then transfer the tray to the preheated oven. Roast for around 30 minutes until they begin to develop a golden color.

Finally, turn the potatoes over and roast them for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until they are evenly golden and irresistibly crispy.

For added flavor, James recommends tossing in a few whole garlic cloves or fresh sprigs of thyme or rosemary to the roasting tin before placing it in the oven. These aromatic additions can elevate your roast potatoes to the next level.

This straightforward recipe promises tasty, crispy roast potatoes every time, making it an essential addition to your festive cooking repertoire.