Twice Fried Cast Iron Skillet French Fries Food

DOUBLE-FRIED FRENCH FRIES

Steps:

• Peel potatoes on the sides, leaving the ends with the skin on. Cut the potatoes into 1/3-inch slices and then slice into 1/3-inch sticks.
• Fill a large bowl with water and soak potatoes, submerged, for at least 30 minutes up to 24 hours. This will help remove the excess starch from the potatoes and keep them from oxidizing.
• Heat a heavy stock pot fitted with a deep-fry thermometer with oil to 325 degrees F.
• Remove potatoes from the water, and pat dry to remove excess water. Add 2 handfuls of potatoes to hot oil. There should be at least 1-inch of oil above the potatoes. Par cook until potatoes are light brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove potatoes, gently shaking off excess oil and let drain on rack. Repeat until all of the potatoes are par cooked.
• Raise heat of oil to 350 degrees F.
• Cook potatoes again, 2 handfuls at a time, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove from oil, shake off excess oil, and season lightly in a bowl with salt and pepper. Repeat until all potatoes are cooked.

TWICE FRIED CAST IRON SKILLET FRENCH FRIES

Steps:

• You will need a cast iron skillet with deep sides. Place your skillet over medium heat and heat for 6 minutes. Once the skillet is warm add about an inch to an inch and one half of oil to the pan. Heat the oil to 350'F. While oil is heating cut your potatoes lengthwise. (You don't want them too thick because they won't cook even. But, you don't want them too thin either, else they will cook too quick. I aimed for about 1/2 inch, or a little less, thick for my fries.)
• Once oil is at 350'F gently submerge potatoes into the hot oil. Lay them going away from you to minimize your chance of burning yourself. DO NOT over crowd the pan. The fries should be able to move freely in the oil without clumping up over each other. If you want to make a lot of fries, do so in batches, not all at once.
• Fry potatoes for about 2 minutes until the edges are just golden. Then, remove the fries from the oil, drain completely on a paper towel. (I remove the fries with a mesh spoon that is specifically built for frying food. Use any metal, slotted spoon you have, or a fry basket if available. Do not use plastic, it will melt. Do not use wood, it will cause the oil to spit-up.) Make sure the oil is still heated at 350'F, then gentle refry the fries again for another 3-5 minutes, or until super golden and crispy. Drain the fries a second time, then immediately toss with sea salt. Add pepper, paprika, malt vinegar, or garlic powder now, if desired. Cool for one minute. Enjoy!