Perfectly Crispy Baked Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

• Select the Potatoes: Take 5-6 large potatoes. Choose potatoes that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
• Peel the Potatoes: Use a vegetable peeler to carefully peel off the skin. If you prefer, you can leave the skin on for extra texture and flavor.
• Cut the Potatoes: Place the peeled potatoes on a cutting board. Using chopsticks as a guide, make horizontal cuts first, then vertical cuts to form small cubes or wedges. The chopsticks will prevent you from cutting all the way through, giving you uniform-sized pieces.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

• Salt the Potatoes: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of salt evenly over the cut potatoes. Toss the potatoes gently to make sure the salt coats all the pieces. This helps draw out excess moisture and gives them more flavor.
• Soak the Potatoes: Place the salted potatoes in a bowl and add enough water to fully cover them. Stir the potatoes gently to mix. Let the potatoes rest for 15 minutes. This soaking step helps remove excess starch, which makes the potatoes crispier when baked.

Step 3: Prepare Garlic Oil

• Garlic Oil Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of oil (such as olive oil) and 1 teaspoon of chopped garlic. Stir well to ensure the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the oil. This garlic-infused oil will add flavor to the potatoes when brushed on.

Step 4: Coat the Potatoes with Garlic Oil

• Drain and Dry the Potatoes: After the 15-minute resting period, drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towels. This will remove excess water, which helps them crisp up in the oven.
• Brush the Potatoes: Transfer the potatoes to a baking tray lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Use a pastry brush to gently coat each piece of potato with the garlic oil mixture. Make sure each potato piece is well-covered for even flavor and crispness.

Step 5: Mix the Spices

• Prepare the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, mix together the following spices:
  • ½ teaspoon salt (for seasoning)
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (adds heat and flavor)
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes (adds extra heat and a bit of crunch)
  • ½ teaspoon cumin powder (adds earthiness)
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika (adds smokiness and color)
• Stir all the spices together to ensure they are evenly mixed.

Step 6: Season the Potatoes

• Sprinkle the Spice Blend: Evenly sprinkle the spice mixture over the garlic-coated potatoes. Use your hands or a spoon to gently toss the potatoes on the tray, ensuring the spice mixture is evenly distributed over each piece. Be sure every side of the potato gets a coating of the spices for maximum flavor.

Step 7: Bake the Potatoes

• Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and preheat for about 10 minutes.
• Bake the Potatoes: Place the baking tray in the oven and bake for 40 minutes. After 20 minutes, use tongs or a spatula to turn the potatoes, ensuring even cooking and crispiness on all sides. Bake until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

• Final Touches: After baking, remove the tray from the oven and let the potatoes cool for a few minutes.
• Serving: Serve the crispy, seasoned baked potatoes with a side of your favorite main dish, like appetizing chicken or any protein of your choice. Garnish with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream if desired. Enjoy!