Mastering the art of crispy campfire-style baked potatoes
Baked potatoes make an excellent dinner side dish. They are delicious and evoke fond summer memories. However, preparing them in the oven can be trickier than it seems. How do you ensure the skin is golden and crispy while the inside is tender and soft? An expert from the culinary magazine Good Housekeeping shares some tips.
Following the guidance below, you can prepare whole potatoes or cut them into halves and quarters. Pay attention to the type of potatoes to achieve a campfire effect. Type C potatoes have a delicate, buttery texture. They are ideal for casseroles and stuffing in the style of Turkish kumpirs.
Before you put the potatoes in the oven
Many people make the mistake of putting raw potatoes directly into the oven. It's beneficial to parboil them first. There's no need to peel them; just scrub them thoroughly and place them whole in salted water for no more than 15 minutes (from the moment they start to boil). Once cooked, drain the potatoes and shake them vigorously in a colander, then dry them on a paper towel.
Campfire effect
To make oven-baked potatoes taste like they're fresh off a campfire, there's one extra step you should follow. You need to dust them with flour. How do you do this? The best method is to place the potatoes in a pot or container with a lid, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour (depending on the number of potatoes), close the lid, and shake the pot until they are evenly coated.
Then, pour oil over them—but make sure it's heated rather than cold. Cold oil will cause the potatoes to absorb more fat, which can make them soft, greasy, and hard to digest.
Baked potatoes with flavour
Are you craving a spicier version of potatoes, or do you prefer a hint of thyme aroma? To give your baked potatoes a bold flavour, add hot or smoked paprika, oregano, Provençal herbs, or nutmeg to the flour before coating them. Nutmeg imparts a slightly nutty taste and acts as an aphrodisiac. It can improve mood and stimulate blood flow, potentially enhancing libido.
You can also toss fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs into the oven. Choose one strong spice or combine two favourite aromas. Remember, too much can be overwhelming.
