Fratelli Perata Roasted Potatoes Perfected
We
have all roasted potatoes, but we have never had potatoes as perfectly
crisped and tender before this. Traditionally, in Britain, these
potatoes would be roasted in goose or duck fat. Since we are Italian,
and jars of goose or duck fat are not abundant in our markets as would
be in the markets in Britain, we opted to use olive oil. You are
welcome to try 3 tablespoons of goose or duck fat if you can find it.
Enjoy these potatoes as a side to your favorite rib-eye dish served
with the Cabernet Sauvignon.
3 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into even sized chunks
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon each rosemary, oregano, thyme
salt & pepper
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Bring
a large saucepan of lightly salted water to boil, add the potatoes and
cook for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat. The potatoes should still be
firm. While the potatoes are boiling, put the olive oil in roasting pan
or baking sheet and place in the preheated oven. Heat oil until very
hot. Drain the potatoes well and return to saucepan. Cover with the lid
and firmly shake the saucepan to rough the surface of the potatoes.
This will give a much crispier texture.
Remove roasting
pan from oven and carefully dump the potatoes into the hot oil. Baste
the potatoes with hot pan oil to ensure they are completely coated.
Sprinkle herbs on potatoes.
Roast potatoes on top rack of
the oven for 45- 50 minutes until they are browned evenly and
thoroughly crisp. Turn the potatoes only once during cooking, about
halfway through, and baste again. Transfer the potatoes from the
roasting pan into serving dish and sprinkle with a little salt &
pepper, if desired.
This straightforward cooking method
with just a few ingredients makes a delicious pairing with a full glass
of Cabernet Sauvignon.