The Hairy Bikers Roast Potatoes are a mouthwatering side dish, famous for their perfectly crispy exterior and fluffy inside. These roasties are seasoned to perfection, offering a delightful crunch with every bite. Ideal for elevating any roast dinner or special meal, their version promises a golden, savory treat that complements a wide array of main courses.
What is Hairy Bikers Roast Potatoes Recipe?
Hairy Bikers roast potatoes are a delicious way of making roast potatoes using goose fat, garlic, and rosemary. They are inspired by the Hairy Bikers, a pair of British chefs and TV personalities who love to cook hearty and tasty food. They are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and full of flavor.
This recipe is relatively simple and takes about an hour to prepare and cook, making it an accessible yet impressive addition to your culinary repertoire.
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Why You Love this Recipe
Hairy Bikers roast potatoes offer a delightful taste and texture that’s hard to resist.
Here’s why they might become a new favorite in your kitchen:
- Simplicity: The recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal ingredients and steps, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Rich Flavor: The use of goose fat not only imparts a luxurious richness to the potatoes but also enhances their golden hue.
- Herbaceous Aroma: Aromatic garlic and rosemary infuse the potatoes with delightful flavors, elevating the overall taste profile.
- Perfect Texture: Parboiling followed by a vigorous shake in a colander ensures the potatoes are fluffy inside with a perfectly crispy exterior.
- High Heat Roasting: Cooking at a high temperature ensures a satisfying crunch on the outside while keeping the inside tender and moist.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Roast Potatoes
To make the Hairy Bikers roast potatoes recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1.5 kg (3 lb) of floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper, King Edward, or Rooster
- 4 tablespoons of goose fat
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled and lightly crushed
- A few sprigs of fresh rosemary
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Useful Equipment
You will also need the following equipment:
- A large pot of water
- A large colander
- A large baking tray
- A sharp knife
- A chopping board
- A spoon
- An oven
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Roast Potatoes
Here are the step-by-step instructions for making the Hairy Bikers roast potatoes recipe:
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan, gas mark 7) and put the goose fat in the baking tray. Place the tray in the oven to melt the fat and heat it up.
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into even-sized pieces, about the size of a golf ball. Rinse them under cold water to remove any excess starch.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Add the potatoes and boil them for about 10 minutes, or until they are slightly tender but not falling apart.
- Drain the potatoes in a colander and shake them vigorously to roughen up the edges. This will help them to crisp up in the oven.
- Carefully remove the baking tray from the oven and add the garlic and rosemary to the hot fat. Stir to combine and then carefully add the potatoes. Toss them well to coat them with the fat and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the baking tray and return it to the oven. Roast them for about 40 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden and crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Transfer the potatoes to a serving dish and enjoy them with your favorite roast or on their own.
What Do I Serve With Hairy Bikers Roast Potatoes?
Hairy Bikers roast potatoes are a versatile side dish that can go well with many dishes, such as:
- Roast chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, or pork
- Gravy, cranberry sauce, apple sauce, or mint sauce
- Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, or bread sauce
- Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli
- Salad, coleslaw, or pickles
- Cheese, chutney, or relish
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Hairy Bikers Roast Potatoes
To make perfect Hairy Bikers roast potatoes, follow these pro tips:
- Choose floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper, King Edward, or Rooster, as they have a high starch content and will become fluffy and soft on the inside.
- Cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces, about the size of a golf ball, as this will help them to cook evenly and crisp up on the outside.
- Rinse the potatoes under cold water to remove any excess starch, as this will prevent them from sticking together and becoming soggy.
- Boil the potatoes in salted water for about 10 minutes, or until they are slightly tender but not falling apart, as this will help them to absorb the fat and flavor later.
- Drain the potatoes in a colander and shake them vigorously to roughen up the edges, as this will create more surface area for the fat to coat and crisp up.
- Use enough goose fat to cover the bottom of the baking tray, as this will ensure that the potatoes are well-coated and not dry.
- Add the garlic and rosemary to the hot fat and stir to combine, as this will infuse the potatoes with a wonderful aroma and flavor.
- Toss the potatoes well to coat them with the fat and season with salt and pepper, as this will enhance their taste and texture.
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the baking tray and do not overcrowd them, as this will allow them to roast evenly and not steam.
- Roast the potatoes in a very hot oven for about 40 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden and crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, as this will give them the perfect finish.
Variations of Hairy Bikers Roast Potatoes
While the classic recipe is superb, you might enjoy experimenting with these variations:
- Alternative Fats: If goose fat isn’t your preference or is available, try alternatives like duck fat for a similar richness or vegetable oil for a lighter version.
- Herbal Tweaks: While rosemary is classic, feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or sage. Lemon zest can also add a fresh, citrusy note.
- Additional Ingredients: Elevate your roast potatoes by adding chopped onion for sweetness, bacon for a smoky flavor, or cheese for a gooey twist. Nuts can add an unexpected crunch.
- Spice It Up: For those who favor a bit of heat, a sprinkle of paprika, cumin, or curry powder can provide a delightful kick.
- Mashed Variant: After roasting, consider mashing a few potatoes for a combination of textures, blending creamy and crunchy elements.
How do I store Hairy Bikers Roast Potatoes Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers of Hairy Bikers roast potatoes, you can store them in the following ways:
- In the fridge: Let the potatoes cool completely and then transfer them to an airtight container or a ziplock bag. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- In the freezer: Let the potatoes cool completely and then freeze them in a single layer on a baking tray. Once they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store them for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat Hairy Bikers Roast Potatoes Leftovers?
To reheat Hairy Bikers roast potatoes leftovers, you can use the following methods:
- In the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan, gas mark 6) and spread the potatoes on a baking tray. Bake them for about 15 minutes, or until they are hot and crisp again.
- In the microwave: Place the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave them for about 5 minutes, or until they are hot and soft. You may need to stir them halfway through to ensure even heating.
- In the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (360°F) and place the potatoes in the basket. Air fry them for about 10 minutes, or until they are hot and crisp again. You may need to shake them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition value
The nutrition value list of Hairy Bikers roast potatoes is as follows:
| Calories | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 389 kcal | 7 g | 65 g | 9.5 g | 7 g | 0.3 g |
FAQs
Can I prepare Hairy Bikers roast potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can parboil and fluff the potatoes, then let them cool and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to roast. This can be a few hours ahead or even the day before. When ready to roast, ensure the goose fat is hot before adding the potatoes to the oven for the final roast.
What are the best potatoes to use for roast potatoes?
Floury potatoes like Maris Piper, King Edward, or Rooster are ideal for roasting as they have a higher starch content, which helps create a fluffy interior and a crisp exterior.
How do I make the Hairy Bikers roast potatoes extra crunchy?
The Hairy Bikers roast potatoes are already very crunchy, but if you want to make them even more so, you can try some of these tips:
- Use goose fat instead of oil or butter, as it gives the potatoes a richer and more golden color.
- Add garlic and rosemary to the fat, as they infuse the potatoes with a wonderful aroma and flavor.
- Shake the potatoes in a colander after parboiling them, as this roughens up the edges and creates more surface area for the fat to coat and crisp up.
- Roast the potatoes in a very hot oven, as this ensures that they are cooked through and crunchy on the outside.
What are some other ingredients that I can add to the Hairy Bikers roast potatoes?
You can also try some variations of Hairy Bikers roast potatoes by adding some other ingredients to them:
- Chopped onion, bacon, cheese, or nuts for some extra crunch and flavor.
- Paprika, cumin, or curry powder for some spice and color.
- Lemon zest or juice for a citrusy twist.
Can I make Hairy Bikers roast potatoes without goose fat?
Yes, you can substitute goose fat with other fats like duck fat, which imparts a similar rich flavor, or use vegetable oil for a lighter version. Each alternative will slightly alter the taste and texture, but the potatoes will still be delicious.
How can I ensure my roast potatoes are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside?
To achieve the perfect texture, make sure to:
- Cut the potatoes into even sizes for uniform cooking.
- Parboil them until they’re just starting to become tender.
- Shake the potatoes in a colander after boiling to fluff up their surfaces, creating more area for crisping.
- Roast at a high temperature in a preheated oven to ensure a crispy exterior.
Final Words
The Hairy Bikers roast potatoes recipe is a foolproof way to make delicious and crispy roast potatoes that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. They are easy to make and require only a few ingredients and equipment. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it is a festive feast, a Sunday roast, or a weekday treat. Try them today and see for yourself why they are so popular. You won’t regret it!