The Secret to Golden, Crispy Potatoes? Ouma Knew Best!

Sometimes the best things in life are the simplest ones — and a good plate of crispy potatoes is one of them.

There is just something about potatoes roasted until they are golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and so delicious that everyone reaches for another helping.

It reminds me of the kind of food we grew up loving. Nothing too fancy, no long list of ingredients, just good food made with a little care.

And you know what? Sometimes the secret isn't in a complicated recipe at all. It is in going back to the basics.

So, what is the secret?

Beef tallow!

Now, before cooking oils and all the new alternatives became everyday kitchen staples, beef fat was a familiar ingredient in many homes. It was used for cooking, frying and roasting, and very little went to waste.

Today, we are rediscovering this old-fashioned favourite, and for good reason.

Beef tallow is made by slowly rendering beef fat until it becomes a clean, versatile cooking fat. It has a high smoke point compared with many common cooking fats, making it a useful choice for roasting and frying when handled at the right temperature.

And potatoes? Well, they are a wonderful place to start!

How we love making crispy potatoes

If you want to give beef tallow a try in your own kitchen, here is a simple way to do it.

You will need:

• Potatoes, peeled or unpeeled — whichever you prefer
• A spoonful or two of VetSpens Beef Tallow
• Salt to taste
• Your favourite herbs, if you feel like adding them

Here is how to make them:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C.
2. Cut your potatoes into even-sized pieces. If you have a little extra time, boil them for about 8–10 minutes until they are just starting to soften.
3. Drain well and let them steam dry for a few minutes. This helps remove excess moisture.
4. Toss the potatoes with melted beef tallow, making sure they are lightly coated.
5. Spread them out on a baking tray without overcrowding them.
6. Roast for about 40–50 minutes, turning them halfway through, until golden and crispy. Cooking time will depend on the size of your potatoes.
7. Season with salt and serve while they are still hot.

That is it! Simple ingredients, a little patience, and a delicious side dish for your next family supper or Sunday lunch.

Just remember not to let the fat smoke, and take care when working with hot oil or tallow.

But don't stop at potatoes!

One of the things we love about beef tallow is how versatile it is in the kitchen. You can also try it for:

• Homemade chips: For a lovely golden finish.
• Steak: Heat a little in your pan before adding your steak.
• Fried eggs: A traditional alternative to your usual cooking fat.
• Roasted vegetables: Try it with carrots, pumpkin or sweet potatoes.
• Sunday roast: A little tallow can help give your roast potatoes that delicious golden crust.

You don't need to change everything about the way you cook. Sometimes, simply trying one old-fashioned ingredient is enough to discover something new.

A little old-fashioned goodness from our spens

At VetSpens, we love the idea that something our grandparents used every day can still have a place in our kitchens today.

We make our beef tallow with care, keeping things simple and letting the ingredient speak for itself. It is available in two sizes, so whether you would like to try a smaller amount first or keep a jar in your kitchen for everyday cooking, there is an option for you.

We always say that good food doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes it just takes a little inspiration from the way things used to be done.

So, the next time potatoes are on your menu, why not give beef tallow a try?

And if you do, we'd love to hear how they turned out!

From our home to yours, with love.

VetSpens — Suiwer uit die Natuur.