Pommes Frites, which literally translates as Fried Potatoes
in French are simply a classic bistro dish. I will admit that the first
time you make these, you may ask yourself what am I doing when I can
buy a bag of frozen French fries from the freezer section at the market.
Let me say, once you experience the exquisite flavor and texture of Pommes
Frites, you will understand. For a treat, make a batch of our
Béarnaise
sauce to dip them in instead of ketchup.
Preparation Time: 1 hour Serving Size: 4 (may be halved)
- 2 to 4 evenly sized russet potatoes
- cider vinegar
- water
- 4 quarts peanut oil
- sea salt
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Peel potatoes and use a mandolin to cut into 1/4 inch fries.
If you do not have a mandolin, slice the potatoes length-wise
into 1/4 inch slices. Lay the slices flat and then cut into
1/4 inch sticks. Place in a large bowl of water with a couple
tablespoons cider vinegar and let sit 30 minutes. Heat oil to
260° over medium heat in an uncovered, heavy Dutch oven. Depending
on the size of your Dutch oven, you will probably have to cook
the fries in batches. Drain and thoroughly dry your fries in
clean dish towels. Carefully add to the oil and fry for 4-6
minutes, until just starting to color on the edges. The potatoes
will be very tender and delicate and break easily. Use tongs
to remove to a cooling rack set on a baking sheet. Bring oil
back up to 260°, drain, dry and fry the rest of the fries. Allow
the par-fries to sit and come to room temperature.
Once the fries have come to room temperature and you are
ready to serve, bring the oil back up to 350°. Fry in batches,
if necessary, until crisp and golden brown, about 3 minutes.
Toss in a large bowl with sea salt before placing on their original
cooling wrack while preparing other batches. Try serving with
our
Béarnaise sauce to dip them in instead of ketchup. A taste
from heaven, Yum!!!
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