Real French Bistro Fries Recipes

BISTRO-STYLE FRIES

Steps:

• Prep: Slice 2 pounds russet potatoes into fries, transferring to a bowl of tepid water as you go. Heat 2 inches of peanut or vegetable oil, shortening, lard, or a combination of fats in a deep wide pot over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375 degrees F. Drain the potatoes and dry well.
• Fry: Add half of the potatoes to the pot and fry, stirring gently, until they soften and blister, 3 to 4 minutes (do not let them color). Remove with a slotted spoon or skimmer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining potatoes. Transfer to the freezer until firm, at least 1 hour.
• Refry: When ready to serve, reheat the oil to 375 degrees F over medium-high heat. Working in 4 small batches so the oil stays hot, fry the potatoes until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to fresh paper towels to drain. Season with salt.
• Salt 'em:
• Herb Salt
• Strip the leaves from a few rosemary and thyme sprigs. Pulse in a food processor until fine, then toss with coarse salt.
• Bacon Salt
• Pulse 3 slices cooked bacon in a food processor until fine; toss with 3 tablespoons coarse salt.
• Parmesan Salt
• Mix equal parts paprika, grated parmesan and coarse salt.
• Dip 'em:
• Smoky Ketchup
• Stir 1/2 to 1 minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce into 1/2 cup ketchup. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar.
• Spicy Mayo
• Add a little Sriracha sauce (or other hot sauce) to 1/2 cup mayonnaise. Mix in the zest and juice of 1 lime.
• Zesty Mustard
• Mix 1/2 cup dijon mustard, a spoonful of horseradish and some chopped parsley.

OVEN-BAKED SHOESTRING FRIES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Coat 2 baking sheets with cooking spray; set aside. Toss together potatoes, oil, and 1 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Arrange potatoes in a single layer on prepared baking sheets.
• Bake, turning potatoes with a metal spatula 2 or 3 times and rotating sheets halfway through, until potatoes are crisp and edges turn golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes. Arrange potatoes on a large piece of parchment paper; let cool 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Bake, turning potatoes with a metal spatula a few times and rotating sheets halfway through, until crisp and golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer potatoes to a large piece of parchment paper; let cool 5 minutes, then season with salt and pepper, and serve.

FRITES (FRENCH FRIES)

Steps:

• Place potatoes in a large bowl of cold water. Change the water repeatedly to remove the potato starch until the water remains clear. (Potatoes can be prepared a few hours ahead to this point and set aside at room temperature in a bowl covered with cold water. Drain before cooking.) Dry the potatoes well in a lettuce spinner and with a clean bath towel.
• Line two large baking sheets with paper towels. Heat oil to 350 degrees in a wok or large pot. Fry potatoes in small batches without crowding until completely cooked, but barely colored, turning occasionally. Transfer to the prepared sheets in a single layer using a slotted spoon. (Potatoes can be prepared a few hours ahead to this point and set aside at room temperature.)
• Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Line another baking sheet with paper towels. Reheat oil to 350 degrees. Fry potatoes again in small batches until crisp and golden brown, turning occasionally. Transfer cooked potatoes to the prepared sheet using a slotted spoon, and keep them warm in the oven while cooking the remaining potatoes. Sprinkle with salt, and serve immediately.

BISTRO FRENCH FRIES WITH PARSLEY AND GARLIC

Steps:

• Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 425°F. Cut potatoes lengthwise into 1/3-inch-thick slices, then cut lengthwise into 1/3-inch-wide strips. Pat potato strips dry with paper towels. Combine potatoes and oil in large bowl; toss to coat well. Divide potatoes between 2 large baking sheets; spread in single layer. Bake until potatoes are deep golden brown, turning and rearranging potatoes frequently, about 40 minutes.
• Transfer potatoes to bowl. Toss with parsley, garlic and coarse salt.