French Fries (salt Or Garlic) Recipe
Homemade sweet corn soup served sliced bread
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Ingredients
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For the French Fries
For the Garlic Option (optional)
To Serve (optional)
Method
For the French Fries
- 1
Prepare the potatoes
Wash and peel the russet potatoes. Cut them into evenly sized sticks about 1/3 inch (8 mm) thick. Place cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water and soak at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to remove excess starch. Drain and rinse after soaking.
- 2
Dry the potatoes
Spread the potato sticks on clean kitchen towels or paper towels and pat thoroughly dry. Removing surface moisture prevents oil splatter and helps achieve crisp fries.
- 3
Heat the oil (first fry - blanch)
Pour about 1 cup of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan so it reaches roughly 1/2 inch (12 mm) depth. Heat oil over medium heat until it reaches 300°F (150°C) or is shimmering but not smoking. Working in a single layer, add half the potato sticks (do not overcrowd). Blanch for 4–5 minutes until potatoes are soft but not colored. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain and cool. Repeat with remaining potatoes.
- 4
Heat the oil (second fry - crisp)
Raise the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). When hot, fry the blanched potato sticks in batches for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Immediately sprinkle the fries evenly with fine sea salt while still hot so the salt adheres.
For the Garlic Option (optional)
- 5
Make garlic butter
While the fries are finishing their second fry, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small skillet over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 30–45 seconds until fragrant (do not brown). Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and ground black pepper.
- 6
Toss fries with garlic butter
Place the hot drained fries in a large bowl. Pour the warm garlic butter over the fries and gently toss until evenly coated. Taste and add a light additional sprinkle of salt if needed.