Roasted Potatoes, Cast Iron Styles

Everyone should own a cast iron pan.  I bought mine at Canadian Tire for around $30 and it has changed my life.  The main food that I like to cook in my cast iron pan is delicious roasted potatoes. They’re also great for cooking a nice thick and juicy steak or pork chop. I prefer to use the pan in the oven instead of on the stove top because the oven gives a nice and even heat.

Last night for dinner we had grilled cheese with roasted potatoes and it was awesome.  I am a little biased because potatoes are my favourite food.  You can cook them so many different ways, each just a tasty as the last.

A lot of people are worried about maintaining a cast iron pan, it really isn’t that hard.  Never use soap on your cast iron pan, just really hot water and a plastic/silicon scrapper to get bits that are hard to get off.  Make sure to dry the pan well, I like to use a paper towel.  Do not air-dry the pan because that will cause rust to form.  Finally, every couple of time you finish using it toss it on the stovetop over high heat and add a tablespoon of shortening or oil.  Use a folded paper towel to quickly spread the oil all over the pan, the bottom, the sides, the handle and the outside.  Leave it on the stove to cool completely. 

Roasted Potatoes

Ingredients

·        2 lbs small yellow flesh potatoes, sliced into 1 inch coins

·        Olive oil

·        Salt and pepper

·        Any extra toppings like chives, thyme, rosemary or even cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425F and put your cast iron pan inside while the oven preheats.
2. In a large bowl add you potatoes and pour in enough olive oil to well coat the potatoes.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. When the oven is preheated remove the pan from the oven, be sure to use an oven mitt to grab the pan.  Add the potatoes to the pan, you should hear a good sizzle.  Spread the potatoes around evenly, some of them will overlap.
4. Add the pan to the preheated oven and cook for about 40 minutes, tossing the potatoes around after 20 minutes.
5. Remove the pan, potatoes should be soft and golden.  You can season the potatoes if required and add any extra toppings.  I topped mine with Cheaddar Cheese:)

ENJOY!