How long to soak potatoes for fries? (+5 health benefits)
In this article, we will answer the question “How long to soak potatoes for fries?”, and how to make the perfect French Fries?
How long to soak potatoes for fries?
To ake the perfect fried, It is advised to soak the potatoes for about 2-3 hours at least. Alternatively, you can keep it in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight. If you do not have much time, you can parboil the potatoes before frying them. Both techniques yield similar results.
The main purpose is to remove excess starch so that the fries boil to a nice golden brown color and do not stick together. Do not forget to pat dry the potatoes with a paper towel before frying.
How to make the perfect french fries?
Ingredients
- 5 pounds russet potatoes
- Vegetable or peanut oil, for frying
- Sea salt
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes and wash them thoroughly. Cut each potato into 4-5 vertical slices. Cut each slice into potato sticks.
- Place the cut potatoes in a bowl full of cold water. Let them soak for at least 2-3 hours at room temperature or 4 hours or overnight in the fridge.
- Heat a few inches of oil in a deep pot to about 300℉. Fry the potatoes in 3-4 batches. Do not overcrowd. Each batch will take about 4-5 minutes. Make sure you do not brown the potatoes. This step is done to just kickstart the cooking process more like a warm-up.
- Remove the potatoes and place them on a paper towel to drain the oil.
- After frying all the potatoes in 300℉ oil, heat the oil to 400℉ and fry each batch until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the fries on paper towels and serve warm.
How to boil potatoes?
- Wash the potatoes or scrub the dirt off their surface. If you want, cut the potato into large cubes.
- In a large saucepan or pot, add the potatoes and cover them with 1-2 inches of cold water.
- Stir 1-2 teaspoons of salt into the water.
- Place the pot or saucepan on the stove. Bring the water to a rolling boil. After that, reduce the heat to simmering. Do not cover the pot or else the potatoes will turn mushy.
- Potatoes will take 10 minutes on average to tender completely. Keep checking after 5-minute intervals for doneness. Smaller cubes will quickly boil as compared to large cubes or whole potatoes.
- The potatoes will be done when an inserted knife, skewer, or fork goes all the way through the potato.
- Take out the boiled potatoes using a slotted spoon or drain the water in a strainer.
- If you have to use the potatoes right away and you want them cold, you can place the potatoes in ice-cold water after boiling.
Other FAQs about Potatoes which you may be interested in.
How much does an average sweet potato weigh?
How do you store cut potatoes?
The shelf-life of potatoes
The following table shows the estimated shelf-life of potatoes in different forms.
| In the pantry | In the fridge | In the freezer | |
| Past the printed date | Past the printed date | Past the printed date | |
| Russet or White potatoes | 3-5 weeks | 3-4 months | |
| Yukon Gold potatoes | 2-3 weeks | 2-3 months | — |
| Red or New potatoes | 2-3 weeks | 2-3 months | — |
| Fingerlings | 2-3 weeks | 2-3 months | — |
| Sweet potatoes | 3-5 weeks | 2-3 months | — |
| Sliced potatoes or french fries | — | 1-2 days | 6-8 months |
| Cooked potatoes | — | 5-7 days | 6-8 months |
| Baked potatoes | — | 5-7 days | 6-8 months |
| Mashed potatoes | — | 4-6 days | 6-8 months |
| Instant Dry Potato Package | — | 4-5 days | —– |
Health benefits of potatoes
Good source of anti-oxidants
Potatoes are a rich source of flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids. These compounds have excellent anti-oxidant properties and prevent cellular damage due to free radicals.
Control blood sugar
Potatoes contain resistant starch. This starch is resistant to digestion. Therefore, it passes down to the large intestine where it becomes a source of nutrients for the healthy gut bacteria. This has been linked to promoting blood sugar control by reducing insulin resistance.
Promotes digestive health
The bacteria in the large intestine turn the resistant starch into short-chain fatty acids, most commonly, Butyrate. Butyrate prevents colon inflammation and reduces the risk of colon cancer.
Gluten-free
People suffering from celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity are allergic to gluten protein present in wheat, rye, barley, and other foods. Potatoes are a nutrient-dense and gluten-free choice of food for gluten-sensitive people.
Keeps you full for longer
Potatoes keep you full for longer regulating your hunger patterns. This is very helpful for weight loss. A study has shown potatoes are more filling than croissants.
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question “How long to soak potatoes for fries?”, and how to make the perfect French Fries?
References
How Long Do Potatoes Last?
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-long-do-potatoes-last#storage-tips
https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-boil-potatoes-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-64716
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/perfect-french-fries-recipe2-2120420
