No, chips are not typically put in water before frying. They are usually directly fried in oil or baked in an oven without any pre-soaking.
Do you put chips in water before frying?
No, chips are not typically put in water before frying. They are usually directly fried in oil or baked in an oven without any pre-soaking. Soaking potatoes in water before frying is often done when making other potato dishes like french fries or homemade potato chips, in order to remove excess starch and create a crispier texture. However, when it comes to making traditional chips, the process differs.
Famous chef Julia Child once said, “I enjoy cooking with wine, sometimes I even put it in the food.” Although she didn’t specifically mention chips, this quote emphasizes the creativity and experimentation that cooking allows. Similarly, while chips are not commonly soaked in water before frying, culinary innovation knows no bounds, so variations or twists to traditional recipes are always possible.
Interesting facts about frying chips:
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Origin: The concept of deep-frying potatoes to create chips originated in the 19th century in either Belgium or France, and it quickly gained popularity as a delicious snack or side dish.
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Chip varieties: Potatoes are not the only vegetable used for frying. Other veggies like sweet potatoes, zucchini, or even kale can be transformed into tasty and crispy chips.
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Seasoning diversity: While salt is the classic seasoning for chips, there are countless possibilities to add flavor. Some popular options include vinegar, barbecue, cheese, chili, or even chocolate seasoning.
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Health-conscious alternatives: For those looking for a healthier option, air frying or baking chips can reduce the amount of oil used, resulting in a lighter and less greasy snack.
To illustrate the different cooking methods used for chips, here is a comparison table:
Method | Description |
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Deep-fried | Traditional method, immersing chips in hot oil for a crispy and golden texture. Requires a deep fryer or a deep saucepan with oil. |
Baked | An alternative to frying, chips are brushed with oil and baked in the oven until crisp. This method reduces oil consumption and offers a healthier option. |
Air-fried | A modern twist, chips are cooked using hot air circulation instead of oil. This method requires an air fryer or convection oven. It results in a crispy texture with reduced oil content. |
Remember, there are various ways to prepare and enjoy chips, and the decision to soak them in water before cooking depends on personal preference and the specific recipe being used. Happy cooking and let your culinary creativity soar!
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Put the chips into a pan of cold, salted water, and bring to the boil. Turn down the heat, and simmer until just soft to the point of a knife. Drain, pat dry and allow to cool, then put in the fridge until cold. Heat your fat to 120C, and add the chips.
Parboil the chips in boiling salted water for 8 to 10 minutes, or until soft but keeping their shape. Drain in a colander and leave to steam until completely dry – this is very important before frying. … Carefully fry the chips, in batches, until golden crisp.
Soaking potato chips in cold water before frying helps remove excess potato starch. The excess starch makes the chips stick together, preventing them from getting that crispy texture. Therefore, soaking in cold water for 20 minutes before frying can help get rid of the excess starch, and that will allow your chips to achieve maximum crispness.
Parboil the chips in boiling salted water for 8 to 10 minutes, or until soft but keeping their shape. Drain in a colander and leave to steam until completely dry – this is very important before frying. Heat a deep-fryer to 180°C or fill a deep saucepan to three-quarters full with vegetable oil over a high heat.
Video response to your question
Martha Stewart shares tips for making the perfect French fries in her video “Tips for Frying Potatoes⎢Martha Stewart’s Cooking School”. Stewart advises soaking the potatoes in water to remove starch and refrigerating them to make them crispier. She also recommends using a mandolin for even cuts and states that thinner cuts produce a crispier texture while fatter cuts yield a creamier interior. Finally, different types of mandolins are better suited for different types of potatoes.