Here’s a recipe for crispy homemade French fries:
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes (or your preferred variety)
- 4 cups of cold water
- 2 tablespoons of salt (for soaking)
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for seasoning)
- Optional: pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or other seasonings to taste
Instructions:
-
Peel and Cut Potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes (or leave the skin on for a rustic touch).
- Cut them into thin strips, around 1/4-inch thick, to get that perfect French fry shape.
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Soak the Potatoes:
- Place the cut potato strips into a large bowl of cold water with 2 tablespoons of salt.
- Soak the potatoes for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours). This step helps remove excess starch, which is key for achieving crispiness.
-
Dry the Potatoes:
- After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry thoroughly with a clean towel or paper towels. The drier the potatoes, the crispier the fries will be!
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Heat the Oil:
- Pour the vegetable oil into a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot, ensuring there’s enough oil to fully submerge the fries.
- Heat the oil to around 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping in a small piece of potato—if it bubbles and sizzles, it’s ready.
-
First Frying:
- Fry the potato strips in batches (don’t overcrowd the pot) for about 3-4 minutes, or until they start to turn golden but aren’t fully crispy yet.
- Remove them from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
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Second Frying:
- Once all the fries are cooked in the first fry, raise the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry the potatoes again in batches for 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain the fries on a fresh paper towel-lined plate.
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Season the Fries:
- Immediately season the fries with salt (and any other seasonings you like).
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Serve:
- Serve the fries hot, either on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce!
Enjoy your crispy homemade French fries!
