Description
April Bloomfield’s Rosemary Straw Potatoes with Lemon Salt are crispy, golden matchstick fries infused with fresh rosemary and a zesty lemon salt seasoning. Thinly sliced russet potatoes are fried to perfection, offering a delightful crunchy texture and bright citrus finish, perfect as a snack or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled
For Frying
- 4 cups vegetable oil
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest, finely grated
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, cut the peeled russet potatoes into very thin matchstick strips to ensure even frying and crispiness. Place the cut potato strips in a bowl of cold water and soak for 20 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps achieve a better crunch.
- Dry the Potatoes: Drain the potato strips thoroughly and pat them completely dry using paper towels. This step prevents oil splattering during frying and helps the potatoes fry evenly.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep heavy pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). It’s important that the oil maintains the temperature for proper frying, so use a thermometer to monitor.
- Fry the Potatoes: Fry the potatoes in small batches, gently stirring for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the fries turn golden and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pot to maintain oil temperature and even cooking.
- Drain and Season: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried potatoes onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. While the potatoes are still hot, sprinkle them evenly with the finely chopped rosemary to infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Lemon Salt: In a small bowl, mix together the lemon zest, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the lemon salt seasoning.
- Toss and Serve: Toss the hot rosemary straw potatoes with the lemon salt mixture, ensuring even coating. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Ensure the potato strips are completely dry before frying to prevent dangerous oil splattering.
- Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady and to achieve maximum crispness.
- These potatoes are versatile: serve as a delicious snack, a garnish to roasted meats, or alongside grilled dishes.
