Step 1

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Step 2

Add the potatoes to a large saucepan and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Add the baking soda and 1 tablespoon salt to the water. Cover, place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Uncover and continue to boil until the potatoes give easily when pierced with the tip of a knife, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and set the strainer over the top of the pan for a few minutes so the outsides of the potatoes can dry.

Step 3

Dump the potatoes onto a baking sheet. Drizzle with the oil and toss with the garlic, thyme and rosemary until the potatoes are completely coated in the oil. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Using a small juice glass or glass bowl, smash each potato firmly but gently. (You want to just crack the skins and flatten slightly while keeping the potatoes mostly intact.)

Step 4

Roast until the bottoms of the potatoes are deep golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and flip the potatoes using a spatula. Roast until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on both sides, an additional 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a platter with a metal spatula. Serve while hot.