photo credit: Charles Haynes
NOTE: These are not a picture of our fries, they were gone before I could take a picture!
We have a deep love of french fries in our house. Everytime my 3 year old learns it’s a Friday, he asks if we can have fries. (such an adorable jokester)
I know they aren’t health food, but every once in awhile it hits the spot to have some perfect fries and a juicy hamburger (or veggie burger if you’re into that kind of thing).
I admit to being the lesser cook in the family. My husband can cook really good food. For the 4th, he decided to try to make french fries. Not those oven baked ones I make that turn into mush. No, actual fries, cooked in oil and the whole deal.
He did a bit of research and discovered a method of making fries that turned out the perfect french fry. Better than any restaurant we’ve had them in the recent past.
The 2 tricks to making a better fry are:
1) soaking the potatoes
2) frying the fries twice for less time
We found that russet potatoes are popular for fries since they cook well, and have a firmer texture. Try to buy organic if possible since potatoes are one of the dirty dozen.
Frugal Fries (cost per serving: approx. 75¢)
Ingredients
- 5 lbs. of organic russet potatoes peeled (optional), and cut (you decide how thick you want them)
- peanut oil (if you’re allergic to peanuts, try canola oil or palm oil, or for the really adventurous try beef tallow)
- sea salt
Recipe
After peeling (optional) and cutting the potatoes, cover and place in the fridge covered with water in a bowl for 1-8 hours.
When they have been soaked, drain the sliced potatoes WELL. Pat dry with towels. Separate into 2 batches.
Heat oil on medium high in a large pot (we used a stock pot). Add first batch and cook only until slightly firm. Take them out, and drain on paper towels while you put in the next batch. The fries should be slightly darker in color and firmer, but not done.
When both/all your batches are done add them back in a second time and cook until golden brown and crispy.
Place them in a paper towel covered bowl/dish and liberally add garlic salt or sea salt to the fries while they are still hot.
Repeat with 2nd batch.
Enjoy!
Cost for all the items was $10. The oil at $5, can be re-used. Just let it cool then bottle it back up. The potatoes were $5 for a 5 lb. bag. (we used half a bag and it was plenty for the hungry 6) Sea salt we had on hand but is readily available for $1-2 at most grocery stores.
Enjoy!
Kelly
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