The journey to a vegan lifestyle is filled with learning and adjustments, especially in the kitchen. When it comes to traditional dishes like roast potatoes, many are surprised to discover they’re not inherently vegan. This staple of Sunday roasts often includes animal fats like goose fat or beef dripping, prized for their high smoking points and the crispy texture they impart to the potatoes. However, these ingredients make the dish unsuitable for those following a plant-based diet.
The Secret To Crispy Vegan Roast Potatoes:
The good news is that creating delicious, crispy roast potatoes without animal products is not only possible but also quite simple. A variety of plant-based oils can effectively replace goose fat or beef dripping. Olive oil, for instance, is a popular choice among vegan cooks. It brings its own unique flavor and has a relatively high smoking point, making it suitable for roasting.
But the secret to perfect vegan roast potatoes isn’t just in the oil; it’s also in the method.
Parboiling the potatoes before roasting them is a crucial step. This process softens the potatoes, allowing the edges to fluff up, which leads to that desirable crispy exterior once they’re roasted. Seasoning is another important aspect. Simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and rosemary can enhance the natural flavors of the potatoes. For those who like a bit of spice, paprika or garlic powder can add an extra dimension.
Pairing these vegan roast potatoes with other plant-based dishes can create a delightful, cruelty-free feast. From rich, hearty vegan gravies to innovative plant-based “turkey” recipes, the options for a fully vegan roast dinner are vast and varied.
As the vegan culinary scene continues to grow, so do the resources available. Numerous vegan chefs and food bloggers have shared their takes on this classic dish, each with their own tips and tricks to achieve the perfect roast potato. Some recipes can be found below.
PS: Why not enjoy them with one of these festive recipes?
- This Maple And Garlic Tofu Roast Is A Roast Ham Alternative
- This Meaty Wellington Is Completely Vegan – And Perfect For Christmas
- How To Make Vegan Roast Beef From Scratch (It’s Easier Than You Think)
Vegan roast potato recipe from Avant Garde Vegan
Gaz Oakley – also known as Avant Garde Vegan – has amassed a huge following for his plant-based recipes. His journey from a traditional chef to a vegan cooking sensation has captivated a massive audience who eagerly follow his culinary creations.
The Welsh chef has perfected his own roast potato recipe, which are crispy enough for even the pickiest of eaters. Oakley’s approach to creating these perfect roast potatoes involves a blend of traditional techniques and vegan-friendly ingredients. He pays special attention to the type of potatoes used, opting for varieties that are known for their roasting qualities.
Ingredients:
- 1kg/2.2 lbs Maris Piper Potatoes, peeled
- 1/2 cup/120ml Vegetable Oil
- 3 tbs Olive Oil
- 4 tbs Plain Flour or Gluten-Free Flour
- 1 tsp Sea Salt
- 1 tsp Cracked Black Pepper
- 3 Sprigs Fresh Rosemary
- Handful Fresh Sage Leaves
- 3 Shallots, peeled & quartered
- 4 cloves of Garlic
- Pinch Celery Salt
- Pinch Cayenne Pepper
Vegan roast potato recipe from So Vegan
So Vegan was set up by Roxy Pope and Ben Pook in 2016. They wanted to make plant-based eating accessible to everyone, and their videos have since been watched by hundreds of millions of people all over the world.
Their approach to vegan cooking is characterized by simplicity and accessibility, breaking down the sometimes intimidating perception of vegan cuisine. They focus on recipes that require minimal ingredients, are easy to follow, and result in delicious, satisfying meals.
They describe their roast potato recipe as the “crispiest and fluffiest in the world,” and you’ll only need three ingredients. This one is an ideal choice if you’re pushed for time and won’t be able to traipse around the supermarket.
Ingredients
- Maris Piper Potatoes
- Salt
- Olive oil
Vegan roast potato recipe from BOSH!
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last two years, you’ll almost certainly be acquainted with BOSH!’s incredible recipes.
Henry Firth and Ian Theasby have been dubbed the “vegan Jamie Olivers.” Their delicious and diverse food creations reached more than half a billion people in their first year.
What sets BOSH! apart is their ability to create vegan dishes that are not only healthy and sustainable but also bursting with flavor and variety. They have a unique knack for veganizing classic favorites, making their recipes particularly appealing to a wide range of audiences.
They say their recipe creates crispy and perfectly fluffy roast potatoes.
Ingredients
- Maris Piper Potatoes
- ¼ cup salt (for the water)
- ½ tbsp baking powder
- ½ cup olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp thyme (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp rosemary (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp salt (after boiling)
- Pepper (to taste)
Vegan roast potato recipe from Rachel Ama
Rachel Ama is a vegan chef and author who is known for her recipe books Vegan Eats and One Pot: Three Ways.
Her approach to vegan cooking is about stripping things back to basics, without compromising on taste or satisfaction. This philosophy is beautifully illustrated in her roast potato recipe, which only uses two ingredients. If you’re after a starting point recipe, or even want to experiment with some ingredients of your own, this is an ideal method to get you going.
Ingredients:
- Maris Piper potatoes
- Olive oil
Vegan roast potato recipe from School Night Vegan
School Night Vegan is run by plant-based food blogger Richard Makin. He was previously a lifelong vegetarian, but switched to vegan in November 2017. Since then, he has been perfecting the art of plant-based cooking.
He says he used a “rigorous testing process” while creating his potatoes, and they should come out just as crispy and fluffy as any other.
Ingredients
- Sunflower oil
- Rosemary
- Potatoes (like Maris Piper)
- Fine sea salt
- Flaky sea salt
The importance of vegan roast potatoes
Transitioning to a vegan diet doesn’t mean sacrificing beloved dishes like roast potatoes. With the right ingredients and techniques, they can be made completely plant-based without losing their classic appeal. This not only opens up more options for those on a vegan diet but also encourages a more inclusive approach to cooking, where everyone at the table can enjoy the same delicious meal, regardless of dietary preferences.
So, get your apron on and start experimenting. Turn your kitchen into a vegan lab and have fun with it. Who knows, your next vegan creation could be a family favorite or the talk of your next dinner party!
This article was originally published on November 27, 2022. It was last updated on December 21 2023.
