House Fries

By stancec44

An eight-step method (below) that entails rinsing the spuds of excess starch, simmering them in salty vinegar water to season each fry perfectly, then air-drying and frying them twice, with a stint in the freezer in between. Serve the finished fries with XO sauce and aioli as they do at Corvino, or dunk them in spicy mayo.

Ingredients

• Russet Potatoes
• Oil for Frying

Details

Adapted from foodandwine.com

Preparation

Step 1

Cut and discard 
1/2 inch from ends of potatoes. Cut potatoes in half lengthwise; cut halves crosswise into quarters. Slice quarters lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slabs.

Place potatoes in a large bowl; rinse under cold running water until water runs clear. Drain potatoes and place in a stock pot; add 8 cups water, vinegar, and kosher salt.

Set pot over
medium-high and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are just tender enough to be pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes.

Using a spider or slotted spoon, carefully lift potatoes from water and 
arrange in a single layer on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Let stand until cool.


In a large heavy pot, heat 2 inches of oil to 250°F. Working in batches, fry 
potatoes until tender, about 6 minutes. Lift potatoes from oil and place on rack to drain.

When potatoes are cool, arrange on a parchment paper—lined baking sheet and freeze. (Potatoes can be kept frozen up to 1 month in an airtight container.)

Heat 2 inches of oil to 350°F. Working 
in batches, fry frozen potatoes until puffed and golden, 
3 to 5 minutes. 
Remove fries and place on paper 
towels to drain.

Place hot fries in 
a large bowl. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and toss well to coat. Serve immediately with XO sauce, 
aioli, spicy mayo, 
or your favorite dip for dunking.