Description
Crispy and golden papas fritas are a Latin American take on French fries. Perfect as a side dish or snack, these fries are made with starchy potatoes, lightly salted, and either fried or baked to perfection. Enjoy them with a variety of dips or alongside hearty Cuban meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large starchy potatoes (Russets recommended)
- 4 cups vegetable oil (or olive oil for baking)
- 1 tablespoon salt (plus more to taste)
- Optional: paprika, cayenne, dill, or Parmesan for seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes or leave the skin on for a rustic look. Cut them into thin matchsticks, thick batons, or rounds.
- Soak in Salted Water: Place the potato slices in a large bowl of salted water and soak for 30 minutes to remove starch.
- Dry Thoroughly: Pat the potato slices dry with a kitchen towel to remove all moisture.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan, heat the oil to 350–360°F. Test the oil with a small piece of potato; it should sizzle immediately.
- Fry in Small Batches: Fry the potatoes in small batches for 5–7 minutes or until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Drain and Season: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fries. Drain them on paper towels and sprinkle salt immediately while they’re hot.
- For Baking: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Toss the potatoes in olive oil, spread them on a baking sheet, and bake for 20 minutes. Flip them halfway through and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes.
Notes
- For best results, use starchy potatoes like Russets.
- Soaking the potatoes in salted water helps remove starch and ensures a crisp texture.
- Monitor the oil temperature closely to prevent burning.
- Customize your seasoning to match your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: Cuban, Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Papas Fritas