Cooking Tips

3 tips for making the crunchiest fries 

By Gretel Morales - 2022-07-14T15:11:32Z
The French fries are delicious strips of potato, characterized by a crispy exterior and a soft interior. In addition to being very crunchy, the perfect French fry should have the exact amount of salt.  When it comes to toppings, there are options for all tastes. In many countries, they are served with ketchup, mustard, vinegar, melted cheese, mayonnaise, or gravy. However, there are also gourmet versions with a touch of truffle, so as you can see, there is no accounting for taste! This time we tell you the story behind the famous French fries and also give you the best tips to prepare the crunchiest ones at home, you will be surprised at how easy it is!You can also read: 10 tips for making the best mashed potatoesWho invented French fries? In addition to being a delicious side dish to accompany burgers, hot dogs, cuts of meat, burritos, and more, these crispy potatoes have a very curious history, and here it is! According to experts from National Geographic, French fries may have been created in Belgium, where people used to eat fried fish, but when fish was not available during the cold season, they opted for fried potatoes. Later, it is believed that “American soldiers discovered this dish in Belgium during World War I,” as they explain that since French is the dominant language in the southeastern region, the soldiers decided to call them “French fries.”  Another theory states that this type of crispy potato did originate in France, as by 1780, they were already a street food option in Paris, according to National Geographic. However, the most curious thing about French fries is that they made their way to the United States, and consequently to Mexico, through President Thomas Jefferson.  Experts from National Geographic explain that Jefferson served as the United States ambassador from 1784 to 1789 and that during that period, he ordered one of his slaves to be trained as a chef in that country. Additionally, Jefferson transcribed about 150 French recipes, including the now-famous French fries.  You can also read: 7 ways to prepare French fries3 tips for making the best French fries Now that you know the history of this famous dish, you probably have a craving to prepare a crispy version, soft on the inside, and with the perfect balance of flavors, so here are the best tips, you will forget about frozen fries forever! 1. The secret is soaking the potatoes According to food journalist Amanda Hesser, who wrote a celebrated article on how to make the best French fries for the New York Times in 1999, the secret might be soaking the potatoes. In an interview with chef Riad Nasr, who was then the head of the famous Balthazar restaurant, he explained the following: 1. Ideally, use Idaho potatoes 2. If you want to achieve extremely crispy fries, the secret is to soak them twice: first, soak them in water for 8 hours in the refrigerator, then cut the potatoes into thin strips and soak them again for another 8 hours.  3. To achieve the best French fry, you should fry them twice, using peanut oil.  2. Double cooking If you want to achieve a creamy texture on the inside and very crispy on the outside, journalist and chef Kelly Dobkin recommends the following: 1. The expert recommends giving the potatoes a quick cook before frying. 2. Fry the potatoes twice: the first at low temperature and the second at 180 °C. 3. Use cornstarch If you want the fries to come out perfect and with a very crispy crust, then you cannot miss the tips from chef Yamilette González: 1. Cut the sticks to the same size. 2. Sprinkle with cornstarch.  3. Freeze the potatoes for a couple of hours. 4. Fry the potatoes in very hot oil, as the temperature shock will help form the crispy crust. You can also read: Roasted and extra crispy potatoes: how to make the trendy dish on TikTok