Homemade French Fries Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- Vegetable oil for frying (such as peanut, canola, or vegetable oil)
- Salt to taste
- Optional toppings: ketchup, mayonnaise, vinegar, or your favorite dipping sauce
Equipment:
- Deep fryer or a large, deep skillet
- Thermometer for measuring oil temperature
- Paper towels
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Baking sheet or plate lined with paper towels
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Instructions:
1. Prep the Potatoes:
- Wash and peel the potatoes, or leave the skin on for a more rustic texture.
- Cut the potatoes into evenly-sized sticks, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide. You can also cut them thicker if you prefer thicker fries.
2. Soak the Potatoes:
- Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water. This will help remove excess starch and prevent the fries from sticking together.
- Soak the potatoes for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours if you have the time. Change the water at least once during soaking.
3. Dry the Potatoes:
- After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is essential for achieving crispy fries.
4. Preheat the Oil:
- Fill a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed skillet with vegetable oil to a depth of about 2 inches.
- Heat the oil to 325-350°F (163-177°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accuracy. Maintain this temperature throughout frying.
5. First Fry (Blanching):
- Carefully add a small batch of potato sticks to the hot oil using a slotted spoon or spider strainer. Be cautious not to overcrowd the frying vessel.
- Fry the potatoes for about 3-4 minutes or until they are just starting to turn a pale golden color. This blanching step helps to cook the inside of the fries without browning them too much.
- Remove the partially cooked fries and place them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet or plate.
6. Second Fry (Crisping):
- Once all the potatoes have been blanched, increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully add a batch of blanched potatoes back into the hot oil and fry for an additional 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fries with a slotted spoon or spider strainer and place them on a paper towel-lined tray.
- Sprinkle with salt immediately while they are still hot.
7. Repeat and Serve:
- Continue frying the remaining batches of potatoes in the same manner, adjusting the oil temperature as needed to maintain 375°F (190°C).
- Serve your homemade French fries hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauces.
Enjoy your delicious homemade French fries just like those you find in the USA, either as a snack or a side dish!
