📝 About This Recipe
Experience the ultimate expression of the humble potato, transformed by the liquid gold of the culinary world: rendered duck fat. These potatoes boast an impossibly glass-like, crunchy exterior and a fluffy, cloud-like interior, a textural contrast achieved through a precise parboiling and roughing technique. Infused with the woody aroma of fresh thyme and finished with Maldon sea salt, this dish is a cornerstone of French bistro cooking that elevates any meal into a gourmet affair.
🥗 Ingredients
The Potatoes
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Maris Piper Potatoes (peeled and cut into 1.5-inch chunks)
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda (added to boiling water to break down pectin)
- 2 tablespoons Kosher Salt (for the boiling water)
The Infusion
- 1/2 cup Rendered Duck Fat (high quality, filtered)
- 6-8 pieces Fresh Thyme Sprigs (leaves stripped and roughly chopped)
- 4 pieces Garlic Cloves (smashed and peeled)
- 1 teaspoon Black Peppercorns (freshly cracked)
Finishing Touches
- 1 teaspoon Maldon Sea Salt (for flaky texture)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley (finely minced for color)
- 1/2 teaspoon Lemon Zest (optional, for a bright lift)
👨🍳 Instructions
-
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a large, rimmed baking sheet inside the oven while it heats; a hot pan ensures the potatoes sizzle immediately upon contact.
-
2
Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water by at least 2 inches. Add the 2 tablespoons of kosher salt and the baking soda.
-
3
Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the exterior of the potatoes is soft but the centers still offer resistance when pierced with a knife.
-
4
While potatoes boil, combine the duck fat, smashed garlic, and half of the chopped thyme in a small saucepan over low heat. Let the aromatics steep in the fat for 5 minutes, then strain (or keep them in if you enjoy roasted garlic bits).
-
5
Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander and let them sit for 2 minutes to allow excess steam to evaporate. This 'drying' phase is crucial for crispiness.
-
6
Transfer the potatoes back into the dry pot. Cover with a lid and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. You want the edges to look 'fuzzy' or mashed; this starch buildup creates the ultimate crunch.
-
7
Pour the infused duck fat over the roughed-up potatoes. Toss gently with a wooden spoon until every crevice is coated in the golden fat.
-
8
Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Spread the potatoes onto the sheet in a single layer, ensuring they aren't crowded. Space is the key to roasting rather than steaming.
-
9
Roast for 20 minutes without moving them. This allows the bottom crust to form properly.
-
10
Using a thin metal spatula, flip the potatoes. Continue roasting for another 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
-
11
In the final 2 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining fresh thyme over the potatoes so the heat releases the oils without burning the herbs.
-
12
Remove from the oven and immediately transfer to a warm serving bowl. Season generously with Maldon sea salt, cracked pepper, parsley, and optional lemon zest while still hot.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold for the best creamy-to-crunchy ratio. Don't skip the baking soda; it breaks down the potato's surface starch to create more surface area for crisping. Ensure the duck fat is high quality—it should have a clean, savory aroma. If the potatoes are sticking to the pan, they aren't ready to be flipped yet; give them another 5 minutes. Always season with flakey salt at the very end to maintain the crunch.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside a medium-rare Pan-Seared Ribeye Steak. Pairs beautifully with a crisp Glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Apple Cider. Excellent as a base for a gourmet breakfast hash topped with a poached egg. Accompany with a side of Dijonnaise (Dijon mustard mixed with mayonnaise) for dipping. Serve with roasted chicken and a simple arugula salad to cut through the richness.