Are you stuck in a jacket potato rut, forever reaching for the same tired tub of butter or sour cream? A renowned UK chef has just shared a game-changing culinary secret that will elevate this British staple from simple side to the star of the show.
The trick, it turns out, isn't a complicated recipe or a rare ingredient. It's a shockingly simple two-component drizzle that packs an unbelievable punch of flavour.
The Secret's In The Sauce
Forget what you know about dressing your spud. According to the expert, the ultimate topping isn't a topping at all. Instead of dolloping, the key is to drizzle.
The magic combination? Olive oil and malt vinegar.
This dynamic duo, often found accompanying chips, creates a mouth-watering contrast when poured over the fluffy, steaming interior of a baked potato. The rich, fruity notes of a good extra virgin olive oil complement the sharp, tangy kick of the malt vinegar perfectly.
How To Create The Perfect Jacket Potato
It's not just about the drizzle. Perfecting the base is crucial. Follow these steps for potato perfection:
- Choose the right potato: A fluffy variety like a King Edward or Maris Piper is essential for that light, airy interior.
- Bake it properly: Scrub clean, prick the skin all over with a fork, rub with salt, and bake directly on the oven rack at 200°C for about 60-90 minutes until the skin is crisp and the inside is soft.
- The crucial cut: Slice it open and fluff the insides with a fork immediately to let the steam out and create the perfect texture for absorbing your drizzle.
- Apply the magic: Generously drizzle with extra virgin olive oil first, allowing it to soak into the fluffy potato. Follow with a generous splash of malt vinegar.
- Season well: Finish with a pinch of sea salt and a crack of black pepper.
The result is a jacket potato that is simultaneously rich and sharp, creamy and tangy, with an incredible depth of flavour that butter alone could never achieve.
Why This Simple Hack Works
This chef-approved method cuts through the richness of the potato, much like vinegar does with fish and chips. The oil provides a luxurious mouthfeel, while the vinegar adds acidity that brightens the entire dish, making it far less stodgy and more balanced.
It’s a cheap, easy, and revolutionary tip that requires no extra shopping and turns an everyday meal into something truly special. So next time your oven is on, give it a try. Your taste buds will thank you.
