Basket of Fried Potato Carrés with Herbs Recipe
These crispy and delicious potato carrés (square-shaped potato bites) are a perfect treat or side dish. They’re packed with flavor from the herbs and seasoning, and they make for a delightful snack or accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients:
- Four large potatoes
- 2 cups fresh chopped parsley (hachez persil)
- 1 tablespoon chicken soup powder or mashed green onions
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (maïs fécule)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground, or to taste)
- Frying oil (for deep frying)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Peel the four large potatoes and then grate them finely into small shreds.
- Place the shredded potatoes into a strainer to drain out excess moisture.
- Transfer the grated potatoes to a paper towel or a clean cloth. Gently squeeze or pat the potatoes to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is key to making them crispy.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add the grated potatoes, fresh chopped parsley (hachez persil), chicken soup powder or mashed green onions, and cornstarch.
- Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper.
- Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed. You should have a well-combined mixture ready to shape.
Step 3: Shape the Potato Carrés
- On a flat surface or large plate, spread the potato mixture into an even layer about 1/4 inch thick.
- Use a knife to divide the flattened potato mixture into small squares (carrés), about one inch on each side.
Step 4: Fry the Potato Squares
- Heat frying oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. The oil should reach about 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.
- Carefully add the potato squares to the hot oil in small batches. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown, crispy, and tender inside.
- Once fried, remove the potato carrés from the oil and set them on absorbent paper to drain off any excess oil.
Serving:
- Serve the warm, crispy potato carrés as an accompaniment to any meal or enjoy them as a delicious snack.
- Pair with your favorite dipping sauce or serve them alongside a fresh salad for added contrast.
Q&A About the Potato Carrés:
Q1: Can I use any type of potato for this recipe?
A1: You can use any type of potato, but russet potatoes work best for this recipe as they are starchy and crisp up nicely when fried.
Q2: What can I use instead of chicken soup powder?
A2: You can substitute chicken soup powder with mashed green onions or any other flavoring like garlic powder or onion powder for a different flavor.
Q3: How do I ensure the potato carrés stay crispy?
A3: Be sure to remove as much moisture from the grated potatoes as possible. Additionally, frying them in small batches ensures that they cook evenly and become crispier.
Q4: Can I bake the potato carrés instead of frying them?
A4: Yes, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the potato squares on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden and crispy.
Q5: How long will the fried potato carrés last?
A5: The fried potato carrés are best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a hot skillet or oven to crisp them back up.
Q6: Can I make these ahead of time?
A6: You can prepare the potato mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying. However, they are best when freshly fried.
Q7: Can I freeze the uncooked potato carrés?
A7: Yes, you can freeze the shaped, uncooked potato squares. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry them directly from frozen when ready to serve, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Enjoy your crispy, herb-filled potato carrés! Whether served as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone.