Many of you ask us: 'How do you make them so crispy on the outside and tender on the inside?' Today we've decided to reveal The Garden Bistro recipe. It's not just a side dish — it's a ritual we follow every day to bring the authentic taste of the earth to your table.
The 3 Golden Rules
Before we fire up the oven, let's start with the basics. For us, there are three non-negotiable points:
Quality — We only choose top-grade potatoes.
Freshness — No old or sprouting potatoes — we want consistency.
The Skin — We always leave it on. That's where the flavour concentrates and where you get that rustic crunch you love.
1. Preparation and Soaking
Thoroughly wash the potatoes to remove any residual soil. Cut them into even wedges or cubes and, as you go, drop them into a bowl of cold water. This step is essential: it prevents browning and releases excess starch, ensuring a perfect golden finish.
2. The Par-Boil
Place the potatoes in a pot, cover with cold water and add plenty of salt. Bring to the boil. They shouldn't cook through completely: as soon as the water starts boiling, turn off the heat and drain them.
3. The Secret Mix
While the water heats up, preheat the oven to 200°C and prepare the seasoning in a large bowl: generous extra virgin olive oil, salt and black pepper, fresh rosemary. And then the Garden touch: our secret blend of paprika, sweet and smoked.
4. The Perfect Seasoning
Drain the still-warm potatoes and toss them in the seasoning bowl in small batches. Mix well: every single piece must be coated in the veil of oil and spices.
5. Into the Oven!
Spread the potatoes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. A pro tip: don't crowd them! Leave space between each one so the hot air can circulate, making them crispy on all sides.
6. The Bake
Roast for about 35 minutes. Every oven has its own character, so after the first half hour keep an eye on them: take them out only when they've achieved an intense, inviting golden colour.
The finishing touch: Our Herb Sauce
Serve them piping hot! At the Bistro we accompany them with our Secret Herb Sauce, a fresh cream that perfectly balances the warmth of the paprika and the savoriness of the potato.
Fancy a taste? Come visit us at The Garden for a quick lunch or one of our picnic dinners in the garden!
