Vegan Roast potatoes

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Vegan Roast potatoes

Yield: 6

Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, vegan roast potatoes. Shaking them in the pan roughs up the edges—vital for crispiness.

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Ingredients

• 1kg floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper, peeled
• 4 tbsp plain flour
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 3 shallots, peeled and quartered
• 4 garlic cloves

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces, place them in a large saucepan filled with water, and add a pinch of salt.
2. Cover the saucepan, bring it to a boil over high heat, and cook for 4–5 minutes, or until the potatoes just start to soften on the outsides.
3. Drain the potatoes in a colander, then return them to the saucepan to steam dry for a few minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the potatoes. Place the lid back on and give the pan a good shake for 30 seconds to rough up the edges—essential for crispiness.
4. Pour the olive oil and coconut oil into a deep-sided, non-stick metal baking tray. Set it on your hob over very low heat.
5. Add the potatoes to the tray before the oil gets too hot. Turn them often for about 3 minutes to allow them to colour slightly. Season with salt and pepper, then add the rosemary, shallots, and garlic to the tray.
6. Once the potatoes are lightly golden, transfer the tray to the oven for 35 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy and golden. I usually turn my roasties halfway through cooking.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 354Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 408mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 5gSugar: 4gProtein: 5g

Vegan Roast Potatoes: A British Love Affair with the Humble Spud

Few foods inspire the same devotion in the UK as roast potatoes. Golden, crunchy, and impossibly fluffy inside, they are more than just a side dish — they are a national obsession. Whether served alongside a traditional Sunday roast or enjoyed as the hero of a vegan feast, roast potatoes hold a special place on British plates.

Where Do Roast Potatoes Come From?

Potatoes themselves are not native to Europe. They were first cultivated in South America over 7,000 years ago before being introduced to Europe in the late 16th century. Initially met with suspicion, potatoes slowly earned their place in kitchens across the continent. In Britain, their popularity surged during the 18th and 19th centuries, thanks to their affordability, versatility, and ability to grow in cooler climates.

Roasting potatoes likely evolved as ovens became more common in British homes. Cooking them in hot fat allowed the exterior to crisp while the interior stayed soft — a contrast that quickly became irresistible. Over time, roast potatoes became inseparable from the classic Sunday roast, cementing their place in British food culture.

Why Are British People Obsessed with Roast Potatoes?

The answer lies in texture, tradition, and comfort. A proper roast potato delivers crunch followed by fluffiness — a sensory experience that few foods can match. Techniques such as parboiling and shaking the potatoes in the pan to rough up the edges are considered essential steps, creating those signature crispy corners everyone fights over.

Beyond texture, roast potatoes are deeply tied to British rituals. Sunday lunch is as much about togetherness as it is about food, and roast potatoes are often the most anticipated element on the table. Even as diets evolve, the love for roast potatoes remains unchanged — which is why vegan roast potatoes have become so popular.

Potatoes: A Nutritional Powerhouse

Despite their comfort-food reputation, potatoes are surprisingly nutritious. They are naturally low in fat, rich in carbohydrates for energy, and contain important nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B6. When roasted using plant-based oils like olive or rapeseed oil, vegan roast potatoes offer flavour without relying on animal fats.

Leaving the skins on adds extra fibre, supporting digestion and helping you feel fuller for longer. This makes roast potatoes not just satisfying, but genuinely nourishing when prepared thoughtfully.

Vegan Roast Potatoes in Modern Cooking

As plant-based eating continues to grow, roast potatoes have effortlessly adapted. Traditional recipes relied on goose fat or beef dripping, but vegan versions use high-smoke-point oils to achieve the same crisp results. Herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and garlic elevate the flavour, while spices like smoked paprika or semolina coatings add a modern twist.

Vegan roast potatoes also pair beautifully with a wide range of dishes. Serve them with roasted vegetables, lentil loaf, mushroom gravy, or alongside other classics like crispy baked tofu or vegan nut roast (internal link suggestion).

Fun Facts About Roast Potatoes

• Roast potatoes consistently rank as the UK’s favourite part of a roast dinner.
• King Edward and Maris Piper potatoes are prized in Britain for their roasting qualities.
• The rougher the potato surface before roasting, the crispier the final result.
• Roast potatoes are so beloved that debates about “the best way to roast them” regularly make headlines in British food media.

Why Roast Potatoes Will Never Go Out of Style

From wartime staple to modern vegan essential, roast potatoes have proven their staying power. They adapt to trends without losing their soul. Crispy, comforting, and endlessly customisable, they represent everything people love about British food — simple ingredients made exceptional through technique.

If you’re exploring more potato-based recipes, you might enjoy our herby smashed potatoes or oil-free roasted vegetables (internal link suggestions). For further reading on potato history and nutrition, resources like the British Potato Trade Association and BBC Good Food offer excellent insights (external link suggestions).

Roast potatoes are not just food — they’re tradition, nostalgia, and joy on a plate. And in their vegan form, they remain every bit as irresistible.