Master Recipe
Oven Fries
serves 4
NOTE: Like french fries, oven fries are twice-cooked for the
best texture. First, they are steamed to cook the interior
partially and set the starch. Next, they are baked in a hot oven
until the exterior is crisp. Make sure to preheat the greased
baking sheets as directed. Adding the steamed potatoes to a hot pan
makes a difference. There's no need to turn fries. The bottom
becomes especially crisp, while the other sides turn golden
brown.
4 teaspoons peanut oil
2 pounds russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into lengths 1/2 by 1/2 inch thick
Salt and ground black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Put 1/2 teaspoon oil on each of two rimmed baking sheets. Use paper towel to spread oil evenly over entire surface, and place both sheets in oven. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Rinse cut fries in large bowl under cold running water until water turns from milky colored to clear.
2. Fit large pot or Dutch oven with steamer basket; fill with enough water to reach just below bottom of basket. Bring water to boil over high heat; add potatoes to basket. Cover and steam for 5 minutes, until potatoes are glistening but still very firm. Remove potatoes and spread out in single layer on two clean tea towels. Pat dry using a third tea towel.
3. Toss potatoes and remaining tablespoon of oil in medium bowl to coat; season generously with salt and pepper to taste and toss again to blend. Carefully remove one baking sheet from oven and place half of potatoes on baking sheet so they are spread out and not touching each other. Place baking sheet back in oven and repeat process using second baking sheet and remaining potatoes.
4. Bake until potatoes are deep golden brown and have begun to puff, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve immediately.
VARIATIONS:
Oven Fries with Indian Spices
Combine 1 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, and 11/2 teaspoons curry powder in small bowl. Add spice mixture to steamed potatoes along with salt and pepper in step 3.
Oven Fries with Cheese
Replace pepper in step 3 with 1 teaspoon sweet paprika. When potatoes are done, pull all fries close together on one baking sheet, sprinkle evenly with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and return to oven until cheese melts, about 1 minute. Serve immediately.