When most people think french fries they think of their favorite fast food place. Or a half step up would be restaurant fries. Now I’ve had both and both are lousy. The typical problem is that they are over-greased, tasteless and old. The old French cooking maxim of getting food immediately from the pan to the plate (à la minute) is something missing with the fries (and most other things in restaurants to be honest). So until someone outlaws the heat lamp and makes cooking with caring & love a requirement we’ll have to do this ourselves. It’s really easy to do and unlike the fast food fries these will actually have potato flavor so be prepared. But there’s a one thing. To really get the temperatures you need to do this right you need extremely hot oil. And hot oil means non-organic refined oil (unrefined oils have smoke points that are too low). Now the process of refining is not pretty but here’s my take on this. .. The potatoes are Organic, Sea Salt is used and the oil is fresh (not this brown, oxidized and foul tasting stuff you often get). Also, while some fast food places and restaurants are using veggie oil, many are still using animal fats. Not-Good. And if that’s not enough even though potatoes are gluten free many feel that using the fryer for breaded foods contaminates the oil and hence the fries with gluten. … So, philosophically I feel it’s ok to go a little evil once and awhile so long as it’s not too evil. So this weekend I’ll make up some fries during a baseball game. The amount of corn oil I consume is minimal and something I can live with once and awhile (and the fries are so darn good). And in case you are still concerned, there is a way around this for something that’s fully organic. It’s currently being tested and will be posted when ready. Also a word about safety. Hot oil can be extremely dangerous. Keep an eye on it. Keep it out of reach from those who are incapable of understanding it’s hazards such as children and pets. Be very careful to avoid splashing. Know where your fire extinguisher is. Learn what do do in case of a grease fire. .. Now that I’ve terrified you into safe mode here’s the recipe for Almost Organic French Fries:

Shopping List:

  • Half dozen medium Organic Russet Potatoes
  • Refined Corn Oil or other oil that has a smoke point well above the temperatures contained in the recipe
  • Sea Salt

Recipe

  • Put Corn Oil in a Sauce pan and place on a high heat. Monitor the temperature using a thermometer (most use a candy thermometer)
  • Peel the 6 Russet Potatoes
  • Cut the potatoes into fries
  • When the oil is up to temperature carefully (VERY CAREFULLY) add the fries I use a wire thing that I can ease them in without splashing. Oil can splatter, burn and injure you. Be Extremely Careful! If you are unsure how to cook with extremely hot oil don’t.
  • Cook the fries in the oil until they start to become cooked. About 6 minutes. What you’ll notice is some of the edges begin to brown.
  • Remove the fries from the oil and transfer to a bowl. Some people like to use a paper towel. No thanks. The oil seems to fall to the bottom of the bowl pretty nicely.
  • Let the fries begin to cool and drain for a few minutes. Then using a fork or wooden spoon scoot them over to a second clean bowl. 
  • You can then set these aside for quick finishing later or do it up now. .. Note: do not cut your potatoes and store without the initial cooking. What happens if you do is that the potatoes dewater and this water causes severe spattering once it hits the hot oil.
  • The next step is the higher temperature frying to brown and crisp the outside. You need the high temp to really get the water inside the fries steaming out (If the steam is being pushed out of the fry the oil can’t get in. If the oil can’t get in then you have nice non-soggy fries instead of the limp grease sticks that you could have bought at the fast food place).
  • Turn the heat back on and get the oil up to about 400F
  • When at temp, CAREFULLY add the fries
  • Cook until light brown on the outside (or more if that’s how you like them).
  • Remove from the oil and place on a serving plate.
  • Sprinkle with sea salt, toss and serve immediately.

 These really aren’t that much trouble to make and you can easily time them with your main course. A great combo is to make some fish & chips. Check out the fish recipe below when you’re ready to take that step.

 Most people feel that natural food is tasteless, boring and say they would rather die a few years earlier than have to such things … When they start pontificating, moaning and groaning just make some Almost Organic French Fries. It will be worth the quiet you’ll get while they’re stuffing them in their mouth.

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