French Fries
French fries are one of almost everyone’s favorite foods, but many home cooks hesitate to take it on. However, with this cold-oil method for making French fries, it’s easy to pull off with just a deep heavy pot and an open window. If you’d like, you can cut potatoes into round slices, medium-size chunks or wedges for frying, or use whole baby potatoes, peeled. Any kind of vegetable oil will work for frying; add a chunk of fatty bacon or some lard to oil in the pot for extra savoriness.
- Total:
- Serves: 4 persons
Ingredients
- 6large Idaho potatoes
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Salt
Instructions
Step 1
Peel potatoes and cut them lengthwise into slices, 3/8 to 1/2 inch thick, keeping the slices together. Give the sliced potato a quarter turn and cut slices into strips. Soak in cold water at least 30 minutes or overnight.Step 2
Drain potatoes and pat dry. Place them in a deep heavy pot and pour in vegetable oil to cover, plus an inch or two. Heat to a bare simmer and let potatoes cook slowly for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until very soft.Step 3
Raise the heat to medium. Line a large bowl with paper towels. Let potatoes fry in bubbling oil until golden and crisp, 10 to 15 minutes more.Step 4
Lift out potatoes and place in a paper towel-lined bowl. Shake to drain, remove paper towels, add salt, and shake again. Serve immediately!