Step 1

Cut the potatoes into thick chips about 6cm/2½in long and 1.5cm/⅝in thick. Rinse them in cold water to remove as much starch as possible, then put them in a large saucepan – make sure the chips have plenty of room so you can take them out easily.

Step 2

Cover the chips with lots of cold water (as much as you can get in the pan without it boiling over) and slowly bring to the boil. Simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, until the potatoes are knife tender and lines and cracks start to develop. Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the chips from the saucepan – don’t tip them into a colander, or they will fall apart. Drain on kitchen paper and gently pat dry.

Step 3

Half-fill a deep-fat fryer or a large saucepan with oil and heat it to 130C. (CAUTION: hot oil can be dangerous. Do not leave unattended.) Fry the chips in a couple of batches, until they have developed a crust but not taken on any colour – this will take about 5 minutes. Remove each batch when it’s ready and set aside.

Step 4

Now heat the oil to 180C. Return the chips to the pan, again in a couple of batches, and fry for 1–2 minutes until they are very crisp and deep golden brown. Drain on kitchen paper, sprinkle with salt and serve immediately.