Savor the Flavors of New England: Duck Fat Roast Potatoes, New Hampshire Style

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In the heart of New Hampshire, where rugged landscapes and chilly winters define the Granite State, comfort food takes on a whole new meaning. And what's more comforting than crispy, golden potatoes? Duck Fat Roast Potatoes are not just any side dish—they’re the kind of indulgence that takes your meal to the next level. With a delightful crunch on the outside and a soft, fluffy interior, this dish delivers the perfect contrast of textures. The rich flavor of duck fat elevates this humble potato into something truly special.

These roast potatoes bring together the best of both worlds: hearty New England flavors combined with a touch of luxury. In New Hampshire, where quality and simplicity reign supreme, Duck Fat Roast Potatoes have become a favorite among locals who enjoy the rustic charm of traditional cooking methods, but crave a bit of added flair. Perfect for pairing with roast meats, or simply enjoyed on their own, these potatoes are a must-have for any dinner gathering.

Recipe: Duck Fat Roast Potatoes - New Hampshire Style

Ingredients:

• 4.5lb (2kg) starchy potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold work well)
• Handful of fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
• Handful of fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp dried)
• 3-4 garlic cloves
• 1 cup duck fat
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 ½ tbsp salt for water
• Salt flakes
• Cracked pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Wash, peel, and trim the potatoes. Rinse under cold water and cut into evenly sized chunky pieces. Use a fork to rough up the surface of each potato chunk, creating grooves for extra crispiness. Keep the cut potatoes in cold water until ready to cook.
3. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon of baking soda along with the salt, thyme, and rosemary. Add the drained potatoes and cook them for about 20-30 minutes, or until they become soft on the inside and start to break up on the edges.
4. While the potatoes are boiling, place your duck fat in a large roasting tray with the crushed garlic cloves and heat it in the oven for about 5 minutes.
5. Once the potatoes are soft, drain them and toss them gently to fluff up the outer edges. Let them cool for a few minutes.
6. Carefully remove the roasting tray from the oven, take out the garlic cloves, and place the potatoes in the hot duck fat. Make sure each piece is well-coated and spaced out evenly on the tray.
7. Roast the potatoes in the oven for 20 minutes, then flip them over to ensure even browning. Roast for another 20 minutes.
8. Sprinkle with rosemary, return the garlic to the tray, and roast for another 10-15 minutes until perfectly golden and crispy.
9. Season with salt flakes and cracked pepper, then serve immediately for best results.

Final Thoughts

Duck Fat Roast Potatoes are more than just a side—they’re a New Hampshire favorite that pairs tradition with indulgence. Whether you’re enjoying them alongside a juicy roast or as a snack on their own, these crispy delights offer a taste of comfort that will leave everyone at the table wanting more. Their golden-brown, crunchy exterior combined with the deep flavor of duck fat makes for an unforgettable experience. Perfect for cold New England evenings or family gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home cooking.

Duck Fat Roast Potatoes are the ultimate side dish that combine crispy texture and rich flavor, perfect for a hearty New Hampshire meal. This dish uses duck fat to give the potatoes an extraordinary crispness and a deep, savory taste that can’t be matched by other cooking fats like oil. The process involves boiling the potatoes to soften them, roughing them up to create more surface area for crispiness, and then roasting them in sizzling duck fat for a golden, crunchy finish​(Gressingham)​(RecipeTin Eats).

The key to making these potatoes perfect is par-boiling them with salt and baking soda, which helps soften the center while preparing the surface for maximum crunch during roasting​(RecipeTin Eats)​(Hungry Healthy Happy). Preheating the duck fat ensures that the potatoes are immediately seared when they hit the pan, which is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior​(Gourmet Traveller). Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme and seasoning them with sea salt before serving amplifies their flavor​(Food52)​(RecipeTin Eats).

For best results, always shake the potatoes after boiling to rough them up. This creates more nooks and crannies for the duck fat to cling to, ensuring extra crunch. You can even prepare these potatoes a day ahead, refrigerate them, and roast them when you’re ready, making them a great option for holiday meals​(Hungry Healthy Happy)​(Food52).

To sum up, whether you’re serving these crispy, duck fat potatoes alongside a roast or as a stand-alone dish, they will undoubtedly impress your family and guests with their rich flavor and perfect crunch.

For more detailed steps, check out the recipe from (Gressingham)tps:​(RecipeTin Eats)ck.co.uk/recipes/duck-fat-roast-potatoes/) or RecipeTin Eats.