Crucial Tools
- Mandolin Slicer
- Baking Pan with Rack
- Large Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 Russet Potato
- White Vinegar
- Simple Girl Sweet and Hot Louisiana Seasoning
Instructions
- Careful is key. A mandolin slicer can slice you as easily as it can a potato. Make sure to use it properly and with the correct safety equipment.
- Make a single cut! With a knife, slice your potato at an angle. The sharper the angle, the longer the cut, the larger the waffle fries are going to be. If you want them smaller, slice the potato like you would a zucchini or carrot.
- Start slicing with the mandolin. Make the cuts to your preference. If you like thicker fries, make the cuts thick. If you like thinner fries, adjust the mandolin as needed. Thinner fries are going to be more crispy. Have a bowl or plate ready beneath the slicer to catch the fries as they drop down. CAREFUL IS KEY. MANDOLINS ARE CRAZY SHARP.
- Wash the Fries! Once the potato has been fully sliced, transfer the waffle fries to the mixing bowl. Give them a good solid rinse first. You want to remove as much of the starch as possible. This will look like a thick cloudy substance that will fill the bowl. Rinse until the water is almost clear with the fries in the bowl.
- Drain the Starch! Once the water and fries are clear of the starch, drain the water completely. With the water drained, now add in the white vinegar until the fries are completely submerged.
- Vinegar Bath. Let the fries and vinegar sit for 30 minutes or more. This part is crucial to the crunch factor of waffle fries. The less time they spend in the vinegar, the less crunch they will have.
- Cleaning Break! Cutting potatoes makes a mess! Clean it up and wash any dishes that are no longer being used.
- Preheat the Oven to 450 F. At this temperature, they will get nice and crispy on the outside while still retaining some moisture on the inside.
- Drain the Vinegar. Once the thirty minutes have passed (no less than 30!) drain the vinegar and let the chips dry on a paper towel or cloth.
- Spice Time! Gently toss the fries in a clean, dry bowl with the Simple Girl Sweet and Hot Louisiana seasoning. Add the seasoning to taste, whether you want it light or spicy.
- Arrange the Fries. After a few minutes, arrange the fries on the baking rack. Try not to overcrowd or overlap them. You want even cooking throughout. Overlapped fries might get soggy or not cook fully.
- Oven Time! Place the baking rack in the oven on the middle rack. Watch closely, and cook until golden brown or desired crispness. This can be anywhere from 6-7 minutes to 9-10. It's all about your preference!
- Take them Out! Once the fries are sufficiently browned, removed the rack from the oven and let the fries cool.
- Get your favorite condiment out. Ketchup is always good, but ranch is also an amazing dip for fries.
- Serve! After they've cooled for a minute or two, serve them!
- Enjoy the crunch!