James Martin, the renowned chef and former Saturday Kitchen star, is spreading holiday cheer with his signature Christmas dinner preparations, showcasing delectable recipes and memorable television appearances. This festive season, Martin insists on treating his Christmas dinner just like any other roast, which means he's had numerous chances to perfect his roast potato recipe - and it shows!
Speaking to The Times, he revealed his golden roast potatoes won’t be the only potato-based treats at the dinner table. "Besides the crispy roasties, I’ll also be serving creamy Dauphinoise alongside some cheesy mash," Martin explained. But how does he manage such culinary feats? Well, it turns out he’s quite the planner!
“I make all of my sauces, like my gravy, in November and then freeze it, so that's out of the way,” shared Martin, emphasizing his strategy to avoid kitchen chaos. This foresight certainly sets him up for success during the busy holiday season. If you’ve been grappling with soggy roast potatoes year after year, you’re not alone—and Martin has the solution!
His recipe for crispy parmesan roast potatoes is just what you need to captivate your family and guests. A classic comfort food, these roast potatoes are anything but ordinary. Ingredients for Martin's dish (serving eight people) include 2kg of King Edward potatoes, 100g of grated Parmesan, 100g of beef dripping, 50g of butter, 50ml of olive oil, and sea salt.
To start, preheat your oven to 180°C Fan (Gas Mark 6). Begin with the spuds: peel them and cut larger ones in half, then immerse them all in boiling salted water for three to four minutes. Afterward, drain the potatoes and shake them up in the colander to create rough edges—this trick helps maximize their crispiness!
Next, place a roasting tray filled with beef dripping, oil, and butter in the oven, letting it heat until sizzling. Once hot, add the potatoes and roast them for approximately 40 to 45 minutes until they turn golden brown. To finish, remove them from the oven and grate the Parmesan on top, slightly crush each potato with the back of a spoon, then return them to the oven for another 10 minutes. Voilà! Crispy potatoes to impress everyone!
Martin’s crispy roast potatoes, gloriously crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, may just become the centerpiece of many Christmas dinners. Detailed attention to the frying oil’s temperature is also key; if the oil isn't hot enough, you risk ending up with greasy spuds devoid of their promised crunch.
Looking for dessert options? Why not try Mary Berry's deliciously moist Spiced Orange Cake, which promises to complete your Christmas feast beautifully with its sweet and festive flair. It’s like Christmas wrapped up in sponge form and can easily be made within the hour!
To supplement Martin's inspiring cuisine, his holiday cooking show, James Martin's Saturday Morning at Christmas, featured notable guests this year. Episode 41 of Season 7 aired on December 22 on ITV1, showcasing Martin’s warm kitchen atmosphere filled with laughs and culinary tips.
Joining him were TV presenter Fern Britton and beloved EastEnders star Adam Woodyatt, along with talented chefs Richard Corrigan and Daniel Clifford, making for delightful conversations and shared enthusiasm about festive cooking.
The program serves to remind viewers of the joy of cooking, especially around the holidays when families gather over meals. Martin’s recipes and engaging personality create welcoming environments, inspiring many to try their own hand at holiday preparation.
Overall, James Martin's Christmas cooking resonates beyond the festive dishes; it beckons viewers to enjoy the process of cooking, no matter how simple or grand the occasion. With his expert tips and delicious recipes, holiday celebrations are bound to be tastier and more joyful.
So this Christmas, take some inspiration from James Martin's culinary expertise and impress your loved ones with your own roast potatoes! Who knows, you might just create your family tradition over his delicious recipes, sharing stories and laughter around the dinner table for Christmases to come.
