Ingredients
- 1 tsp Kosher SaltSmoked salts may also bring more nuances to the end product
- 1 tsp PaprikaSubstitute with any seasoning you like, but this one deserves attention
- 1.5 kg PotatoesTake varieties that are considered chip-stock, like Alturas, Dakota Pearl or Ivory Crisp, to have the right texture of your snack
- 400 ml Sunflower oilCorn or canola may also work absolutely fine
Directions
Favored by many children, this potato-based snack can be easily recreated at home, you’ll only need a thermometer to check the temperature of your oil when deep-frying the batches of the side dish. But you may go further and enhance your shoestring potatoes in a can with a bit of paprika. More flavor provided by seasoning never hurts.
It’s impossible to avoid indulging into this simple guilty food, sometimes you can treat yourself with such addictive bits of matchstick potatoes, but moderate consumption of deep-fried snacks is the key. You may play with spices used in this recipe up to your preferences, so feel free to experiment with the basics.
Steps
1 Done | Carefully wash your potatoes before any further operations. Measure the oil and pour it in a convenient glass jug. Grab some spices and kosher salt. |
2 Done | Once the potatoes are washed, peel them and remove any impurities if you find them, yes, get rid of any potato eyes, damaged parts and dark spots. |
3 Done | Cut your peeled potatoes into matchsticks. For that, you may julienne them with a knife or use a mandoline, if you prefer easier ways to handle this way of cutting. |
4 Done | Instantly transfer cut potatoes into water, that's needed to reduce all the starches within. Stir them with your hand to make this process faster. |
5 Done | Use a towel to thoroughly wipe your shoestring potatoes. They should be completely dry, otherwise this snack may attack you with splattering. |
6 Done | In a heavy bottomed saucepan, preheat all the sunflower oil up to 180°C. You'll have to keep the level of temperature close to this, so regularly check it with a thermometer. |
7 Done | Once the temperature is achieved, transfer the first batch of your potato matchsticks. It's better to put less than more, unless you don't mind uncontrollable cooking process. Deep-frying may take about four minutes, but don't try to burn your snack. |
8 Done | Use a strainer to take out your potatoes, put them onto paper towels to reduce some fat. Season your potato snack with some salt. |
9 Done | And paprika will add some sweetness to this simple side dish. |
10 Done | Once shoestring potatoes cool down, you may transfer them to any suitable airtight containers if anything is left in the process. Just a warning for your appetite! |
