Strain the fries and blot them with a clean towel to get rid of excess water. Simply tossing raw potatoes into the pan before roasting will guarantee tough results because the high water content will steam out over the course of a long cooking time. Slice potatoes to desired shape. Next the fries are allowed to rest and cool outside of the oil for at least 30 minutes-- and up to one day. If you follow the fries process using grated potatoes (instead of the 1/4" fry-cut), you should arrive at a decent output. You don't say how long your drive is going to be, but if it is less than six hours, you can just put the cut fries and ice … Kurt Schrader has been writing professionally since 2005. The next time you find your cupboards inundated with pounds of potatoes, use this one technique to create a number of side dishes: French fries: Cut your potatoes into strips (or “fries,”) leaving the skin on, before you cook and freeze. It doesn’t matter how the potatoes were cut—they could be diced, in large chunks, or even in wedges. The biggest problem with cutting fries ahead of time and leaving them in the fridge or on the counter for later is that the fries turn an unappetizing color of brown. Finally, the fries are finished in 375 degree oil for two to three minutes, until browned, just before serving. You can actually peel and cut potatoes the day before using them. Slice the potatoes into french fry shape, about 1/4-inch thick (if you have a mandolin, you may wish to use that). But if you don’t like the potato skin, simply peel, rinse, then cut your potatoes into fries. Peanut oil. Lay your potatoes out to dry on a paper towel. Once cooked you will not notice much (if any) difference in the texture of the potato. You can peel and slice potatoes up to three (I have actually done 5) days in advance for: French Fries Roasted potatoes; Mashed Potatoes; Potato salad; By submerging cut potatoes in water they will not brown. Traditional Belgian-style french fries are cooked with a two-stage frying process. Blot the potatoes dry on a towel. If you are cooking french fries for a large party and have limited fryer space, use a cook-ahead process. Drop the cut fries into a pot of boiling water with salt for about three minutes. They do not lose any crispy exterior crunch if you dry them properly. Stack a few of the slices, then cut them in the other direction to create french fries. If you want to add vinegar to the water the potatoes are stored in, that is fine. You can soak littler cuts, such as diced potatoes, but you should keep it brief (while you're getting the rest of the recipe ready, or around 30 minutes) since their smaller shape means they can easily become waterlogged. 6. 3. Here’s a step by step guide and video that shows you exactly how to cut potatoes for french fries. Preparing and freezing French fries also cuts down the cooking time allowing you to bake or air fry French fries in half the time as making from scratch. How to keep potatoes from going bad Remember to wash the potatoes completely. Repeat until all of the potato is sliced accordingly. For efficiency, you can blanch several batches of potatoes and let them cool in your fridge or walk-in cooler. Refrigerate the home fries. 2. So, what are the best potatoes for French fries? Follow the baked French fries recipe, roasting the fries until they’re crisp on both sides (don’t add the herbs or parmesan). You can peel the sweet potatoes or leave the skin on. To prevent this, blanch the potatoes by placing them in boiling water for one minute, and then immediately transfer them to ice water to cool down. Cooked in the typical method -- fried in high heat in single batches -- fries can take 10 minutes or more to cook. Russet, also known as Idaho potatoes, make excellent French fries, specifically the Russet Burbank potato. I will give you some tips to keep the potatoes fresh until they are ready to be used. Leave the fries out at room temperature on the baking sheet (uncovered) for up to 2 hours. Store the cut, washed fries in the walk-in refrigerator, not outside at room temps. FRENCH FRIES. Transfer the fries into a bowl of ice water. French fries dipped in a mixture of ketchup and mayonnaise are divine. -  Designed by Thrive Themes The problem with this is that home fryers do not typically have the capacity to make large batches of french fries for a large number of guests. | Powered by WordPress. Season generously with salt and flip the fries half way through cooking. You can pre-cut potatoes and keep them long-term by freezing them. Peel potatoes. Baked fries are best right out of the oven, but you can make them a couple hours in advance. Kosher salt or coarse sea salt. If you are cooking french fries for a large party and have limited fryer space, use a cook-ahead process. Sometimes I gather the entire dish cloth in a bunch along with the potatoes and give it a gentle squeeze to help them to pat dry. A typical russet potato contains no fat or cholesterol and is packed with fiber, potassium, B-complex vitamins, iron and vitamin C. He has also worked in the hospitality and travel industries for more than 10 years. To dry them, simply set the potatoes on paper towels and blot them until all of their surfaces are completely dry. 4 large, long Idaho potatoes. While it is not something I do every Sunday, there are times when I have a packed schedule and I want as many short-cuts loaded into my fridge as possible. You'll need a countertop deep fryer or a deep pot to hold the fat safely, and a candy or deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature. It’s a nice garnish, side dish and even a main dish at times. Cut the potatoes into fries – your preference on how thick or thin. Heat a skillet as you did to cook them, adding the oil or butter at the same time as before. I find the interior of my french fries to be slightly fluffier when I have prepped them in advance ( a good thing!) Remove the home fries from the refrigerator shortly before you wish to serve them. Large, oval-shaped potatoes will give you the nice, long French fries you desire. In his perfect french fries method he explains how you can freeze the blanched and par-fried potatoes to help make them crispier (freeze dehydrate) during the final frying (pickup). French fries are delicious. Freezing potatoes that you plan to roast not only saves time but can actually make for extra crunchy spuds. 1. Smaller cuts like 3/8 inch will take 2-3 minutes. That will definitely save you a lot of time and you can focus on other tasks you may have to do. When you thaw them, you can follow this recipe, beginning at step #3. Once water/potatoes comes to a boil, remove the potatoes from heat and strain, running the potatoes under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process. Reduce the heat to low, then add the home fries to the skillet. Your potatoes may start to brown as they are exposed to oxygen, but a little bit of acid (from lemon juice) will help them maintain their color. Season again when fresh out of the oven. At this point the potatoes are mostly, if not all the way, cooked through. Step 2: Blanch. It's also helpful to cut the fries in advance, because that's a time-consuming part of the project. First, the cut potatoes are cooked for 5 to 7 minutes in 325-degree oil until cooked through but not brown. Now you want to take each of the potato pieces you just cut and slice those at length every ¼” inch to create your desired thin fries. cover dish towels with a layer of paper towels, spread out potatoes in a single layer on top of paper towels. Time: 30 minutes, plus 16 hours' soaking time. 4. let sit for about 5 minutes. The only time to salt the fries is after the final fry. You are done blanching the potatoes when you can bend them without breaking them. We are, of course, open to the idea that our readers have made some mind-melting fries, frites, or whatever you call your fried potatoes at home. Plus, discover how freezing potatoes can improve their texture. In fact, many if not most places that make fresh cut French fries do cut the fries in advance and leave them soaking in the refrigerator until fried to order. Moreover, cutting homemade fries can be time-consuming; getting this step out of the way ahead of time can save a lot of food preparation effort at mealtime. Cool the fries before frying them a second time. Types of Potatoes Best for Freezing as Fries Select mature, high-starch, baking type potatoes that have been cured and stored for about a … Larger cuts like 1/4 or 1/2 inch will take 4-6 minutes. Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving menu or hosting a special dinner, finding ways to cut down on prep work can be game-changing, especially if you’re feeding a large crowd. If you are frying potatoes from a frozen state, it is not necessary to defrost or attempt dry them first. Once cooked you will not notice much (if any) difference in the texture of the potato. Bring to a boil. 5. I like to bake my french fries on a heavily oiled baking sheet in a 425 degree oven for about 20-25 minutes. 1. GET MY DONE FOR YOU FREEZER MEAL PLANS INCLUDING MY SHOPPING LIST AND TIMELINE  DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX, Copyright text 2015 by Modern Mom's Kitchen Academy. Prepare the Potatoes . Learn how you can freeze potatoes and sweet potatoes for fries, mashed potatoes, gratins and more. Did you know that’s called “Fry Sauce” in Utah? Schrader holds a bachelor's degree in management, a master's degree in information studies and a Juris Doctor from Florida State University. Making fresh-cut french fries at home isn't difficult, but it does require a bit of advance preparation. Nowadays, people can eat French fries for just about any meal of the day. Our recommendations: Keep the skin on to enhance homemade appearance and flavor. 2. And there you have it: how to cut potatoes into fries in 3 easy steps! First, the cut potatoes are cooked for 5 to 7 minutes in 325-degree oil until cooked through but not brown. All potatoes are not equal - some make better French fries than others. Can you make oven fries ahead? Soaking French Fries: A Crucial Step. When the fries are almost done soaking, preheat air fryer to 375ºF. However, if you want to pre-cut your potatoes and use them later -- while still maintaining an appetizing color -- place your cut potatoes in a bowl of water until you are ready to use them. You can peel and slice potatoes up to three (I have actually done 5) days in advance for: By submerging cut potatoes in water they will not brown. While this will not make the most visually appealing finished product, the brown fries are still safe to eat and the taste will not be affected. ​. The wonderful videos done by Rouxbe Cooking School: "French Fries" Or, this article in the Chicago Tribune, "Make the best french fries ever," on what Chef Bart Vandaele of Belga Café in Washington DC and Chef Ben Sheagren of Hop Leaf in Chicago do. Wondering how to cut potatoes into fries? Place in a … Remove the completely cooled potatoes from the ice bath, blot dry with paper towels, and move potatoes to a freezer-proof bag and freeze. Don’t add salt. Potatoes are a source of carbohydrates, which provide you with energy, due to their high nutritional value. Check out the one minute video to see how it is done OR follow the step by step instruction below! As you cut your fries, place them into a bowl of cold water. Simply drop the frozen potatoes directly into the hot oil to cook. People love it so much that according to National Geographic, an average American eats approximately 30 pounds of French fries in just a … This make ahead french fry and potatoes technique is perfect if you are doing a doing a Sunday prep session for your week of family meals. Submerge cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water and let soak for 20 minutes. Cut potatoes will start to discolor if they're exposed to oxygen for too long—even if they're in the water. Water on the surface of potatoes can cause hot oil to spatter and burn you. STEP 1. Traditional Belgian-style french fries are cooked with a two-stage frying process. But there are other types of Russet potatoes from which you can choose also. 3. As with cut potatoes exposed to air, frozen potatoes can turn brown. Peeling potatoes ahead of time sounds like a clever hack for making mashed potatoes or French fries—that is, if you’re doing it correctly. 1. Copyright © 2020 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. 4. Roasting raw potatoes. Place your cut, raw sweet potatoes into a large bowl. Let us know if you try our method for how to cut potatoes into fries … If frying pre-cut potatoes from a water bath, it is important to ensure that the potatoes are completely dry before dropping them into hot oil. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, The Oregonian: The Five Secrets of Great Fries. Put the cut potatoes into a big pot of water. Instead of cutting potatoes into a fry shape, simply dice them for mashed potatoes or even potato salad. A tablespoon per gallon will help the fries from turning brown. 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