For roast potatoes that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, a kitchen cupboard ingredient might be the key. Ella Mills, known as Deliciously Ella, has shared her secret to achieving the perfect roast potatoes: adding a pinch of bicarbonate of soda during the boiling stage.
The Secret Ingredient
In an Instagram video, Mills explained: "I have the secret to the best roast potatoes ever. You simply boil them with a little bit of bicarb. It helps release the starch so then you can roast them with rosemary, garlic, olive oil, and salt and get the crispiest outside and the fluffiest inside."
How It Works
The bicarbonate of soda helps break down the surface of the potato, bringing starch to the surface. This results in a fluffy interior and an extra golden, crispy exterior. Mills recommends using 1/4 teaspoon of bicarb for 1.5kg of Maris Piper potatoes.
Step-by-Step Method
- Boil potatoes with 1/4 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda.
- Drain and shake vigorously in a colander to roughen edges.
- Heat oil in the oven for 10 minutes while potatoes steam dry.
- Toss potatoes in three tablespoons of white flour for an even coating.
- Carefully add potatoes to hot oil, along with three sprigs of rosemary and four cloves of garlic.
- Roast for 55–60 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Season with flaky sea salt before serving.
This technique promises the best roast potatoes, with a crispy outside and fluffy inside that will elevate any Sunday roast.
