French Fries Done Right
Ingredients
- 6 medium russet potatoes
- Canola, peanut or vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Deep fryer or large cooking pot
Instructions
- Peel potatoes. Cut each in 3/4-inch slices. Stack slices and cut into 3/4-inch sticks. Place in a bowl of ice water to soak for 30 minutes. (Soaking removes starch, so that potatoes will be crisp when deep fried.)
- Heat oil to 325°F (160°C) in deep fryer.
- Drain potatoes and pat dry thoroughly using paper towels. Any excess water will splatter when they are added to the hot oil.
- Dip frying basket in oil (this prevents the potatoes from sticking to it), then add a handful of potatoes into basket. Lower into oil and par-fry for 3 minutes or until potatoes are tender, but not browned. Lift basket and allow potatoes to drain. Turn out onto a brown paper bag lined with paper towels. Repeat procedure with remaining potatoes.
- Increase the temperature of the heated oil to 375°F (190°C).
- Return the par-fried potatoes to the oil in batches and cook a second time for 4 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on a fresh brown paper bag lined with paper towels. Salt to taste and serve hot.
