Bistro Pommes Frites Recipe Bistro French Fries Food

BISTRO-STYLE FRIES

Steps:

• Prep: Slice 2 pounds russet potatoes into fries, transferring to a bowl of tepid water as you go. Heat 2 inches of peanut or vegetable oil, shortening, lard, or a combination of fats in a deep wide pot over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375 degrees F. Drain the potatoes and dry well.
• Fry: Add half of the potatoes to the pot and fry, stirring gently, until they soften and blister, 3 to 4 minutes (do not let them color). Remove with a slotted spoon or skimmer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining potatoes. Transfer to the freezer until firm, at least 1 hour.
• Refry: When ready to serve, reheat the oil to 375 degrees F over medium-high heat. Working in 4 small batches so the oil stays hot, fry the potatoes until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to fresh paper towels to drain. Season with salt.
• Salt 'em:
• Herb Salt
• Strip the leaves from a few rosemary and thyme sprigs. Pulse in a food processor until fine, then toss with coarse salt.
• Bacon Salt
• Pulse 3 slices cooked bacon in a food processor until fine; toss with 3 tablespoons coarse salt.
• Parmesan Salt
• Mix equal parts paprika, grated parmesan and coarse salt.
• Dip 'em:
• Smoky Ketchup
• Stir 1/2 to 1 minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce into 1/2 cup ketchup. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar.
• Spicy Mayo
• Add a little Sriracha sauce (or other hot sauce) to 1/2 cup mayonnaise. Mix in the zest and juice of 1 lime.
• Zesty Mustard
• Mix 1/2 cup dijon mustard, a spoonful of horseradish and some chopped parsley.

MOULES FRITES - FRENCH/BELGIAN BISTRO STYLE MUSSELS AND CHIPS

Steps:

• Frites/Chips:.
• Slice the potato into thin strips (2mm x 2mm) and rinse in salted water. Heat a deep fat fryer to 325°F/160°C (preferably using sunflower or groundnut oil). Place the frites/chips in and cook for 4-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and leave to cool.
• Moules/Mussels:.
• Tip the mussels into a large bowl of cold water, rinse and then drain well and pull away any 'beards'. (Fresh mussels look black and shiny and should only smell pleasantly of the deep sea - the vast majority should be tightly closed. Avoid any that smell 'fishy', look dry or are mostly open.).
• Place the chopped onion, shallot and garlic in a saucepan with the olive oil, gently sweat them over a low to medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until slightly soft.
• Add the chopped herbs, and pernod or pastis if using and mix with the onion mixture.
• Add the washed mussels to the pan and cover with dry white wine, bring slowly to the boil, then simmer gently whilst stirring. Continue until the mussels have opened - discard any that do not open, this can take between 2 to 5 minutes.
• Add the creme fraiche if using, mixing through the cooked and opened mussles. Cover until the frites/chips are cooked.
• Whilst the moules are cooking, turn up the deep fryer to 375°F/190°C and salt the frites/chips. Add the frites/chips back to the oil for around 1 minute until golden and crispy.
• Serve the moules in a deep bowl with the frites/chips on the side - providinf plenty of napkins and a large bowl for the shells.
• Note - to make the best frites/chips your uncooked frites/chips should be washed in cold water and dried thoroughly before cooking.

BISTRO FRENCH FRIES WITH PARSLEY AND GARLIC

Steps:

• Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 425°F. Cut potatoes lengthwise into 1/3-inch-thick slices, then cut lengthwise into 1/3-inch-wide strips. Pat potato strips dry with paper towels. Combine potatoes and oil in large bowl; toss to coat well. Divide potatoes between 2 large baking sheets; spread in single layer. Bake until potatoes are deep golden brown, turning and rearranging potatoes frequently, about 40 minutes.
• Transfer potatoes to bowl. Toss with parsley, garlic and coarse salt.

FRENCH BISTRO STEAK ON GARLIC CROUTES AND POTATO FRITES

Steps:

• Potato Frites:.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• In bowl, toss potatoes with oil, thyme, salt and pepper.
• Arrange on foil-lined rimmed baking sheet.
• Bake, turning once, for 40 minutes or until tender inside and crisp outside.
• While potatoes cook, start the Bistro Steak.
• Bistro Steak On Garlic Croutes:.
• Rub bread all over with cut side of garlic; brush with 2 teaspoons (10 mL) of the oil. Toast on baking sheet for 10 minutes or until golden.
• Meanwhile, trim off all but 1/8 inch (3 mm) fat from steak, if needed.
• Roll edges in peppercorns to coat.
• In skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat; cook steaks for 4 to 6 minutes per side or until medium-rare inside and browned. Transfer to plate; cover and keep warm.
• Add wine and stock to skillet; bring to boil, scraping up any brown bits. Boil for about 1 minute or until reduced by half. Remove from heat.
• Stir in red pepper, shallot, butter and any juices accumulated on plate.
• Cut steaks in half; place on croûtes.
• Pour sauce over top.
• Serve with Potato Frites.