Frieten (Belgian Fries) Recipe 🍟
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 1 large potato
Calories: 0 kcal
Description:
The true secret to the best Belgian fries is the twice frying of the potatoes! And specifically using a Bintje potato!
Recipe Category:
Potato
Keywords:
Vegetable, Belgian, European, Very Low Carbs, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, < 30 Mins, Deep Fried, Easy
Ingredients:
- 1 large Bintje potato
Instructions:
-
Prepare Potatoes:
- Begin by peeling the Bintje potato and cutting it into fries, ensuring they are of uniform thickness for even frying.
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Dry Potatoes:
- Gently dab the potato fries dry with a clean dish towel to remove excess moisture, which helps in achieving a crispy texture.
-
First Fry:
- Heat the oil in a fryer to 300°F (145°C).
- Carefully add the potato fries to the oil and fry until they are about half done, typically taking around 5-7 minutes. This initial frying at a lower temperature ensures the potatoes cook through without becoming too brown.
-
Cool Potatoes:
- Once the fries are half done, remove them from the oil and allow them to cool completely on a paper towel-lined tray or wire rack. Allowing them to cool for about half an hour is optimal, as it helps in developing a crispier exterior during the second frying.
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Second Fry:
- After the fries have cooled, heat the oil to 365°F (180-190°C), ensuring it is hot enough for the second frying stage.
- Carefully add the cooled potato fries back into the hot oil and fry them until they turn a beautiful golden brown, usually taking around 3-5 minutes. This higher temperature frying crisps up the exterior, creating that perfect crunchy texture while maintaining a fluffy interior.
-
Drain and Season:
- Once the fries are golden and crispy, carefully remove them from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Immediately season the fries with salt while they are still hot, ensuring the seasoning sticks to the crispy exterior.
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Serve Hot:
- Transfer the freshly fried Belgian fries to a serving dish and enjoy them piping hot with your favorite dipping sauces or condiments.
Tips:
- Choose the Right Potato: Using Bintje potatoes is essential for authentic Belgian fries, as they have the perfect balance of starch and moisture, resulting in a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature throughout the frying process, adjusting the heat as needed to ensure it stays within the recommended range for each stage of frying.
- Don’t Crowd the Fryer: Fry the potato fries in batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fries.
- Double Fry Method: The double frying technique is crucial for achieving the signature crispiness of Belgian fries. The first fry cooks the potatoes through, while the second fry creates the irresistible golden brown crust.
- Serve Immediately: Belgian fries are best enjoyed immediately after frying when they are at their crispiest. Serve them hot with your favorite sauces or alongside classic Belgian dishes like moules-frites (mussels with fries).
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with these homemade Belgian fries! Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite snack or side dish for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the fryer, and treat yourself to a taste of Belgian culinary tradition! 🇧🇪🍟
