Dish & Chips Recipe
plate hand-cut fries & salad with Parm and vegan Caesar dressing
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Ingredients
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Fries
Salad
Vegan Caesar Dressing
Vegan Parmesan
Method
Fries
- 1
Prepare potatoes
Wash and peel potatoes if you prefer (skin left on is fine). Using a sharp knife or mandoline, cut potatoes into 1/3–1/2 inch sticks for classic hand-cut fries. As you cut, place the sticks into a large bowl of cold water to remove surface starch.
- 2
Rinse the cut potatoes under cold running water until the water runs clear, then drain and transfer to a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Pat completely dry — this prevents oil splatter and ensures crisp fries.
- 3
Heat oil in a deep heavy skillet or a heavy-bottomed pot to 325°F (about medium heat). If you don't have a thermometer, the oil should shimmer but not smoke.
- 4
Blanch the fries: Add the potatoes in a single layer (you may need two batches) and cook for 4–6 minutes until they are limp and just beginning to turn opaque but not browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Allow to cool 5–10 minutes.
- 5
Increase oil temperature to 375–380°F for the second fry. When hot, add fries in batches and fry until golden brown and crisp, 2–4 minutes. Remove to a rack or paper towels to drain briefly.
- 6
Immediately season fries with 1 tsp fine sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper and 1/2 tsp garlic powder (if using). Toss to combine so seasoning adheres while fries are hot.
Vegan Caesar Dressing
- 7
In a small bowl or jar, combine 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise, 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp capers (or 1 tsp caper brine), 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (additional for balance), 1 tbsp water, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- 8
Whisk or blend (use an immersion blender or small food processor) until smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust: add a little more lemon for brightness, more caper brine for tang, or a splash of water to thin to desired consistency. Chill while finishing other components so flavors meld.
Vegan Parmesan
- 9
Place 1/2 cup raw cashews, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt and 1/4 tsp garlic powder in a small food processor or high-speed blender. Pulse until the mixture is crumbly and resembles fine breadcrumbs. Do not over-process into a paste. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
Salad & Assembly
- 10
In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens, 3/4 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
- 11
Dress the salad lightly: drizzle 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the greens, add 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper, then toss gently. Alternatively, toss the greens with 1–2 tbsp of the prepared vegan Caesar dressing for a more authentic Caesar flavor.
- 12
Plate: Arrange a generous portion of hot fries on one side of a plate. Place the dressed salad on the other side.
- 13
Sprinkle the vegan Parmesan over both the fries and salad to taste (start with 1–2 tbsp). If desired, add an extra drizzle of vegan Caesar dressing over the salad and a small ramekin of dressing for dipping the fries.
- 14
Serve immediately so fries remain crisp. Offer extra salt, pepper, and dressing on the side.