Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has shared a surprisingly simple culinary trick that promises to deliver the crispiest roast potatoes you've ever made. The revelation came during an appearance on The One Show, offering a timely tip for home cooks aiming to perfect their Sunday roasts and festive dinners.
The Game-Changing Ingredient You Already Own
According to Jamie, the secret to achieving that coveted golden, crunchy exterior with a fluffy interior lies in a humble pantry staple: vinegar. The chef broke down his full method in a recent Instagram video, detailing a process that begins with Maris Piper potatoes.
His technique involves peeling and boiling the potatoes in salted water for 14 minutes before draining them. The next step is to 'chuff them up' until the outsides look slightly frosty. After roasting with your chosen fat, rosemary, and garlic until lightly golden, the critical move is to squash them for more surface area. Then comes the magic touch: a spritz of vinegar before they go back in the oven to finish.
Why the Vinegar Hack Works So Well
This everyday ingredient performs several crucial functions. Primarily, the acid helps to strengthen the potato's exterior, preventing the spuds from falling apart during the roasting process. This creates a more robust, starchy outer coating which, when exposed to high heat, develops an exceptionally crispy and delectable finish.
For those hesitant to add vinegar at the final stage, Jamie notes an alternative. Adding a tablespoon or two of vinegar—such as white wine or apple cider vinegar—to the boiling water can be equally effective in promoting that perfect crispiness while imparting a subtle, tangy background note.
Viewers and Fans React to the Tip
The response to Jamie Oliver's advice has been overwhelmingly positive, with many viewers taking to social media to share their enthusiasm. One commenter stated it was their "go-to recipe," while another praised the chef's comforting presentation style.
Some fans offered their own twists, with one suggesting Marmite as a flavourful alternative to rosemary. Another loyal follower commented: "We use Jamie's recipe from his Christmas book every year and the squashing does wonders. The vinegar is a new one though, so will give it a try."
This tip arrives amidst a flurry of roast potato hacks circulating online, as experts aim to help home cooks identify common pitfalls. With the festive season in full swing, Jamie Oliver's vinegar method provides a straightforward, science-backed solution for elevating a beloved British classic to new heights of perfection.
