Crispy Homemade French Fries

Crispy Homemade French Fries

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• Water (for soaking and boiling)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Salt (to taste)
• Optional: seasoning of your choice (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:
   • Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized strips, about 1/4 inch thick.
   • Rinse the potato strips in cold water to remove excess starch.
2. Soak the Potatoes:
   • Place the potato strips in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Add a tablespoon of salt to the water.
   • Let the potatoes soak for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for extra crispiness.
3. Boil the Potatoes:
   • Drain the soaked potatoes and rinse them again.
   • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to the boiling water.
   • Boil the potato strips for 3-5 minutes until they are just tender but not fully cooked.
   • Drain the potatoes and spread them out on a baking sheet lined with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
4. Coat with Cornstarch:
   • In a large mixing bowl, toss the dried potato strips with cornstarch until they are evenly coated. The cornstarch will help achieve a crispy texture.
5. First Fry:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 325°F (163°C).
   • Fry the potato strips in batches for about 3-4 minutes until they start to turn light golden but are not fully crispy. Do not overcrowd the fryer.
   • Remove the fries from the oil and drain them on a wire rack or paper towels. Let them cool completely.
6. Second Fry:
   • Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
   • Fry the potato strips again in batches for 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
   • Remove the fries from the oil and drain them on a wire rack or paper towels.
7. Season and Serve:
   • Immediately season the hot fries with salt and any additional seasoning you prefer.
   • Serve the crispy homemade French fries hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Enjoy your deliciously crispy homemade French fries!