Beyond Boiling: Jersey Royals, New Ways!

Ah, Jersey Royals! That first taste of buttery, earthy goodness signals the start of summer here in Jersey. We all love them, don't we? But how often do you find yourself just… boiling them? There’s so much more you can do!

This year, let's break free from the boiling pot and explore some exciting new ways to enjoy our beloved spuds while also being mindful of our resources and reducing food waste. Let's get creative!

Roasting for Richness

Roasting Jersey Royals brings out a completely different dimension of flavour. The natural sugars caramelize, creating a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. Forget bland!

Simply toss your Royals (halved or quartered if larger) with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favourite herbs (rosemary and thyme work beautifully). Spread them out on a baking tray and roast at 200°C (180°C fan/Gas Mark 6) for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown and tender.

Roasting is also fantastic for using up slightly older Royals. If they're starting to sprout or wrinkle, roasting can revive them beautifully. Just make sure to remove any large sprouts before roasting.

Smashed and Loaded

This is a fun and interactive way to serve Jersey Royals, perfect for a casual meal or a side dish.

Boil the Royals until tender, then gently smash them with the back of a fork on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like (garlic powder, paprika, or chilli flakes work well). Bake at 220°C (200°C fan/Gas Mark 7) for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.

The best part? The toppings! Think crumbled feta, crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, sour cream, or a dollop of your favourite chutney. Let everyone customize their own smashed Royals. It's a guaranteed hit!

Jersey Royal Salad Reinvented

Forget the mayo-laden potato salads of the past. Let's create a light and vibrant Jersey Royal salad that celebrates the potato's natural flavour.

Boil or steam your Royals until tender. While they're still warm, toss them with a vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey. Add some fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or dill.

For extra flavour and texture, consider adding some blanched green beans, sliced radishes, crumbled goat cheese, or toasted almonds. This salad is delicious warm or cold, making it perfect for picnics or packed lunches.

Waste-Not Wonders: Using Every Bit

Reducing food waste is crucial, and Jersey Royals offer plenty of opportunities to be resourceful.

• Potato Peel Crisps: Don't throw away those peelings! Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake them in a hot oven until crispy. A delicious and sustainable snack.

• Potato Water Magic: The water you boil your Royals in is packed with nutrients. Let it cool and use it to water your plants. They'll thank you for it! Many gardeners believe this helps promote healthy growth.

• Sprout Removal: If your Royals have sprouted, simply remove the sprouts before cooking. The rest of the potato is still perfectly edible.

Tips for Perfect Jersey Royals

Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of your Jersey Royals:

• Don't overcook them: Jersey Royals are delicate and can become mushy if overcooked. Test them with a fork – they should be tender but still hold their shape.

• Salt the water generously: Salting the water when boiling potatoes seasons them from the inside out.

• Handle with care: Jersey Royals have thin skins, so be gentle when washing and scrubbing them.

• Store them properly: Store your Royals in a cool, dark, and dry place to prevent them from sprouting.

• Buy local: Support our Jersey farmers by buying locally grown Jersey Royals whenever possible. You'll be getting the freshest and most flavourful potatoes while also supporting our island community.

So there you have it – a few ideas to inspire you to go beyond boiling and explore the wonderful world of Jersey Royals. This season, let's celebrate this local treasure by cooking creatively, reducing waste, and enjoying every delicious bite.

Ready to try something new? Head over to Breadnsoup for more sustainable and seasonal recipes! What's your favourite way to cook Jersey Royals?