Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes

My grandmother used to make the best roasted potatoes. She used to make them in a big stockpot - shaking them as they roasted. My mother tried to replicate them countless times - even watching my grandmother cook them - but couldn't pull it off - the potatoes would fall apart. There's a family rumor that it was chicken fat that made them better (and staying hole).

I have made roasted potatoes in the oven to some success - and would make these in a heartbeat. Via BuzzFeed.

Roasted Potatoes
Servings: 5-6

INGREDIENTS

• 13 4-lb russet potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• More salt & pepper to taste
• Small handful fresh parsley leaves, minced to garnish

PREPARATION

• Preheat oven to 425°F/220°C.
• Fill a large pot with water and boil. Add salt, baking soda, and potatoes, and stir. Return to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes after returning to a boil. A fork should easily pierce the potato pieces by the end. Drain and let sit one minute while moisture evaporates.
• Combine olive oil, rosemary, garlic, and a few grinds of black pepper in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. Stir constantly until garlic just begins to turn golden, about 2-3 minutes. Immediately strain oil through a fine-mesh strainer over the potatoes. Add salt and pepper to taste, and mix.
• Shake the pot that the potatoes are in so that they slam against all sides of the pot, this will loosen the outer layer of the potatoes to form a mashed layer around each potato piece.
• Transfer potatoes to a large rimmed baking sheet and separate them, spreading them out evenly. Transfer to oven and roast, without moving, for 30-35 minutes. Using a thin, flexible metal spatula flip potatoes. Continue roasting until potatoes are deep brown and crisp all over, turning and shaking them a few times during cooking, 30 to 40 minutes longer.
• Transfer potatoes to a large bowl and add the garlic-rosemary mixture (optional) and minced parsley. Toss to coat and season with more salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.