Crispy Belgian Fries

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) russet potatoes 2 pounds (900g) russet potatoes
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Peel the potatoes and cut them into long, even strips, about 1/2 inch thick.
2. 2.
   Rinse the potato strips under cold water to remove excess starch. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
3. 3.
   In a large pot, heat vegetable oil to 325°F (160°C).
4. 4.
   Working in batches, fry the potato strips for about 5 minutes or until they are cooked through but not yet golden. Remove them from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. 5.
   Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
6. 6.
   Fry the partially cooked potato strips in batches for a second time, until they turn golden and crispy, for about 3-4 minutes. Remove them from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
7. 7.
   In a small bowl, mix together salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle the spice mixture over the hot fries and toss gently to coat evenly.
9. 9.
   Serve the crispy Belgian fries immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to choose starchy potatoes like russets for the best results. Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra crispy fries, refrigerate the partially cooked potato strips for 30 minutes before the second frying.
• Experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the flavor of your fries.
• Serve the fries with a variety of dipping sauces such as mayonnaise, ketchup, or aioli.
• To make the fries healthier, you can bake them in the oven instead of frying. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the fries for about 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Serving advice

Serve the crispy Belgian fries in a cone or a paper bag for an authentic experience. Sprinkle some additional salt and spices on top if desired.

Presentation advice

Arrange the fries in a neat pile on a serving platter or in a cone. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an added touch of color.