Egg Mcneva Fries & Drink Recipe

Prep the potatoes

Scrub and peel the potatoes if desired. Cut into 1/4- to 1/3-inch matchstick fries. Rinse the cut fries under cold water until water runs clear to remove excess starch, then pat thoroughly dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.

Par-cook the fries

Heat a thin layer of vegetable oil (about 1/4 cup) in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the potato sticks in a single layer (work in batches to avoid crowding). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the fries are tender and beginning to brown, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat with remaining potatoes. Alternatively, you may blanch in boiling water 4 minutes and drain well.

Crisp the fries

Pour the remaining vegetable oil into a heavy skillet and heat over medium-high until shimmering. Add the par-cooked fries in a single layer and let them crisp without moving for 2–3 minutes, then stir and continue until golden and crisp, 4–6 minutes more. Drain on paper towels and season immediately with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp paprika; toss gently to coat.

Make the eggs

Wipe out a small nonstick skillet and melt 1 tbs butter over low-medium heat. Crack two eggs into a bowl and gently slide them into the skillet (you can cook two eggs at a time; use two pans or cook in two batches for 4 eggs). Season the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook gently until whites are set but yolks remain slightly runny, about 3–4 minutes for sunny-side; cover the pan for a minute if needed to set tops. For firmer yolks, cook an additional 1–2 minutes.

Assemble

Divide the fries onto four serving plates (about 3/4 cup fries per serving). Top each portion with a lightly cooked egg (one egg per plate). Sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded cheddar over two plates (or divide evenly so each plate gets ~1/4 cup cheese total) so the residual heat melts the cheese. Scatter sliced green onions over the top and finish with remaining black pepper and a light dusting of paprika if desired.

Serve

Serve immediately while eggs are warm and fries are crisp. Offer hot sauce or ketchup on the side if desired.

Fill two tall glasses with ice cubes (about 1/2 cup ice per glass).

Divide the fresh orange juice and lemon juice between the two glasses (about 1/2 cup orange and 1/2 tbs lemon per glass). Add 1 teaspoon simple syrup to each glass, adjusting to taste.

Top each glass with chilled sparkling water, pouring gently to preserve bubbles (about 1 cup sparkling water per glass). Stir once lightly to combine.

Garnish each drink with an orange slice and two mint leaves if using. Serve immediately alongside the Egg McNeva Fries.