Here is the step-by-step process to make French fries:
Step 1. Wash the potatoes and slice them into long, thin pieces.
Step 2. Put the potatoes in cold water and allow them to soak for 30 minutes to remove the starchy film that will make the fries soggy if not removed.
Step 3. Fill a large pot with water and season it liberally with salt (this helps to flavor the potatoes). Bring it to a rolling boil.
Step 4. Drain and thoroughly rinse the potatoes in cold water. Dry them off completely with a paper towel or clean dish cloth (this is very important). The surface of the potato should be totally dry to prevent oil from splattering when it hits the cold potatoes. You can even blot them with a paper towel if needed.
Step 5. Put oil in a large pot and heat it to 325 degrees F (160 C).
Step 6. Fry the potatoes for 4-5 minutes or until slightly soft but not browned. The French fries will finish cooking later; the first step is just to soften them up before frying them again at a higher temperature at which they’ll crisp up and become golden brown.
Step 7. Line a bowl with paper towels and remove the fries, shaking them to remove excess oil (not too much!), and transfer them to the bowl.
Step 8. Line a baking sheet or platter with several layers of paper towels or newspaper (this is for resting the cooked fries– the paper absorbs the oil that gets fried onto the surface of the fries, which can make them soggy).
Step 9. Heat the fat in a deep-fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350 degrees F (175 C) for frying. Alternatively, you can use an electric deep fryer– just follow its directions for use.
Step 10. Fry the potatoes again until golden brown, about 3 minutes or less. Transfer them to the paper-towel lined platter or baking sheet to absorb excess oil.
Step 11. Salt generously and serve hot with ketchup, malt vinegar, mayonnaise, etc., as desired.
So this is how to make French Fries.
