French fries are delicious potato strips with a crunchy consistency on the outside but soft on the inside. In addition to being super crispy, the perfect French fries have just the right amount of salt.
As for the dressings, there is something for all tastes. In many countries, they are accompanied by ketchup, mustard, vinegar, melted cheese, mayonnaise, or gravy. However, there are also gourmet versions with a touch of truffle, so as you can see, tastes break genres!
This time we tell you the story behind the famous French fries and give you the best tips to prepare the crunchiest at home; you will be surprised how easy it is!
Who invented French fries?
In addition to being a delicious side dish to accompany hamburgers, hot dogs, cuts of meat, burritos, and more, these crispy potatoes have a very curious story; here we tell you about it!
According to the experts at National Geographic, French fries could have been created in Belgium, where people used to eat fried fish, but when there was none during the cold season, they opted for French fries instead. Later, it is believed that “American soldiers discovered this dish in Belgium during World War I,” explaining that, since French is the dominant language in the southeast region, the soldiers decided to call them “French fries.”
Another theory points out that this type of crispy potato did originate in France since, 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 came to the United States and, therefore, to Mexico through President Thomas Jefferson.
National Geographic experts explain that Jefferson was the United States ambassador from 1784 to 1789 and that, during that period, he ordered that one of his slaves be trained as a chef in that country. In addition, Jefferson transcribed over 150 French recipes, including the now-famous French fries.
Three tips to make the best French fries
Now that you know the history of this famous dish, you surely want to prepare a crunchy version, soft inside and with the perfect balance of flavors, so we give you the best tips; you will forget about frozen potatoes forever!
1. The secret is to soak 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 the potato soaking.
In an interview with chef Riad Nasr, who was at the helm of the famed Balthazar restaurant at the time, she explained the following:
1. Ideally, use Idaho potatoes
2. If you want highly crispy potatoes, the secret is to soak them twice: first, soak them in water for 8 hours, refrigerate them, then cut the potatoes into thin strips and soak them again for another 8 hours.
3. For the best fries, you’ll need to fry them twice using peanut oil.
2. Double cooking
If you want to get a texture that’s creamy on the inside and super 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 potatoes to be perfect and with a very crispy crust, then you cannot miss the tips of chef Yamilette González:
1. Cut the canes the same size.
2. Sprinkle with cornstarch.
3. Freeze the potatoes for a couple of hours.
4. Fry the potatoes in boiling oil, as the temperature shock will help the crispy crust form.
