Step 1

Rinse and scrub the potatoes under running water. Peel the potatoes and cut each potato to ¼ to ⅓ inch thick slices (lengthwise).

Step 2

Then further cut them to sticks of ¼ inch to ⅓ inch each. Add them to a large bowl of ice cold water. I also add a few ice cubes to them. Rest for a minimum of 1 to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Step 3

Drain the water completely and pour ice cold water again to the bowl. Rinse them in this water to get rid of excess starch. Do not use regular water at this stage. We want the potato sticks to be cold.

Step 4

Then drain to a colander and wipe dry with a kitchen cloth. Spread them on a tray and let dry while you heat the oil. I prefer to separate the longer and shorter fries at this stage so they fry uniformly in the oil. Do not wait for too long as we need to fry the cold fries.

Step 5

Pour oil to a deep heavy bottom pan or pot & begin to heat it on a medium flame. Ensure the oil is at least 3 to 4 inches high in the pan. Attach your thermometer to the side of your pan for best results.

Step 6

When the oil reaches 300 F (150 C), gently slide 10 to 12 potato stick to the hot oil (depending on the size of your pan. Ensure you don't crowd the pan and the temperature almost remains same while frying, a variation of 20 F or 12 C is just fine.

Step 7

After they are slightly cooked, for about 3 minutes remove them to a wired rack, lined over a tray. Spread them on the tray while you continue to fry the next batch of French fries.

Step 8

Once you are done with the blanching, heat the oil a little higher to 350 F (175 C).

Step 9

Refry the blanched French fries until golden and crisp. Remove them to the wired rack to cool down slightly.

Step 10

Add each batch of French fries to a large bowl or a brow bag and sprinkle the seasoning as much as you desire. Toss well and serve immediately before they cool down as they begin to lose their crispness.

Step 11

Fry the rest of the French fries in batches and serve right away.