STT 7: Crispy Roasted Cabbage with Brown Butter & Lemon, Perfect Mash and Roast Potatoes

You voted, I listened. The uncomplicated science of simply perfect potatoes and an excellent crispy roasted cabbage with brown buttah, lemon and hazelnuts.

Hi Everyone,

Potatoes—humble, versatile, and occasionally the cause of serious kitchen frustration. Why are your mashed potatoes gluey? Why do roast potatoes sometimes lack that perfect crunch? This week, I’m decoding the simple science behind perfect potatoes, whether you’re mashing or roasting, to make sure every bite delivers.

And because so many of you loved my charred cabbage from Season to Taste Episode 4, here’s another version to bring to the table. This time, we’re combining the ultimate flavour trio: brown butter, hazelnuts, sage, and preserved lemon, with an extra squeeze of fresh lemon at the end to keep it all bright, and balanced. It’s festive, easy to make, and guaranteed to convert even the staunchest cabbage sceptics.

Let’s get cooking,

Jess x

Festive Inspiration

Here are a few recipes from my website that are perfect for the holiday season—whether you’re hosting a crowd or looking for something special to share with loved ones.

My Favourite Turkey – There are countless ways to cook a turkey, but this spatchcocked version is my personal favourite.

Crispy Potato Stacks – A muffin tin twist on pommes Anna, these crispy, golden stacks are a show-stopping side dish that’s sure to impress.

Honey and Herb-Infused Sweet Potato Bake – This layered sweet potato bake is infused with honey, rosemary, and thyme, creating a fragrant and deeply comforting side dish perfect for the holidays.

Gooey Baked Camembert with Glazed Brown Sugar Pears – Kick off the celebrations with this quick and indulgent starter. It comes together beautifully in the air fryer, leaving your oven free for the main event.

Perfectly Pink Devilled Eggs – A stunning party appetiser that’s as pretty as it is delicious. These devilled eggs are guaranteed to steal the show.

Irresistibly Sticky Pigs in Blankets – Bacon-wrapped sausages with sage and a sticky glaze—what’s not to love? This festive favourite is always a hit.

Crispy Roasted Cabbage with Brown Butter & Lemon

Cabbage has been making waves on London menus lately, and for good reason. At places like Fallow, it’s transformed into something truly special. But while their version takes a slow confit in loads of butter, this recipe takes a lighter, more approachable route, focusing on the balance of crisp edges and tender layers.

By layering brown butter, sage, and preserved lemon between the leaves and adding a little stock to the pan, the cabbage stays juicy and deeply flavoured as it roasts. The butter ensures every layer is well-seasoned, while the edges crisp up beautifully, giving you a mix of crunchy, golden leaves and soft, buttery centres. It’s a versatile dish that feels indulgent yet effortless, perfect for pairing with roasted meats or standing proudly on its own.

Perfect Roast Potatoes

Roast potatoes are non-negotiable on any festive table, and achieving that perfect golden crisp exterior with a fluffy interior can feel like chasing the impossible. But it all comes down to a few tried-and-tested techniques: choosing the right variety of floury potatoes, boiling them with a pinch of baking soda for that crucial outer fluff, and roasting in a mix of duck fat and sunflower oil for the ultimate combination of flavour and crunch. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a Sunday roast, this recipe guarantees potatoes so good they’ll be gone before the turkey hits the table.

Perfect Fluffy Mash

Mashed potatoes might seem like the easiest dish to perfect, but if you’ve ever ended up with sticky, bland mash, you’ll know it requires more attention than it appears.

Perfect mashed potatoes come down to following a few basic techniques: selecting the right variety of potatoes, boiling them whole to avoid waterlogging, and cooking them to the precise internal temperature where starch granules fully gelatinize. At this critical point, the starch absorbs water and swells, creating the fluffy, light texture we all love. Overcook them, and those same starches break down, leading to a gluey, gummy mash. Pair this process with an infused milk/cream, gently perfumed with herbs, garlic, and butter- a truly lovely result.

Whether you prefer your mash rich and creamy or light and fluffy, this recipe is adaptable to suit your table. It’s the ultimate side dish—versatile, foolproof, and guaranteed to satisfy everyone. Need to get ahead for Thanksgiving? We’ve included tips for preparing mashed potatoes in advance to make your holiday stress-free.

Crispy Roasted Cabbage with Brown Butter & Lemon