Chef George Crum transformed a kitchen mistake into a dish that delights millions around the world.
The passion for cooking leads to chefs and cooks to create dishes that They delight millions of people. Sometimes, mistakes become innovations that change gastronomy forever. A clear example of this are the French fries as a snack a delight that was born from an unexpected setback and ended up conquering the entire world.
This accidental creation, which began as a response to a dissatisfied customer, not only revolutionized the way potatoes are enjoyed, but also marked the beginning of a culinary phenomenon that continues to this day. Discover how this iconic recipe originated and how you can replicate it at home.
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How potato chips were created as snacks
The origin of French fries as a snack dates back to 1853, in the restaurant “Moon Lake Lodge”, located in Saratoga, New York. At that time, the chef George Crumrenowned for his culinary skills, faced an unexpected complaint from a customer. He insisted that the potatoes served were too thick, demanding that they be prepared thinner.
Crum tried to satisfy the customer by cutting the potatoes thinner repeatedly, but each attempt was rejected. Tired of the situation, he decided to take the idea to the extreme: He cut the potatoes almost like paper, He fried them in hot oil and seasoned them with plenty of salt. His intention was not to please, but to demonstrate his discontent.
To the chef’s surprise, the client was delighted with the result. Are thin crispy slicess, initially known as “Saratoga Chips”quickly became the restaurant’s most requested dish, and word of mouth did the rest: soon all of Saratoga Springs was talking about them.
The success of this creation prompted the chef to open his own restaurant in 1860, called ““Crum’s House”where fries were the star dish. Wealthy personalities, such as Cornelius Vanderbiltwere among its loyal diners, helping to popularize this delicious culinary innovation.
Over time, French fries became a global phenomenon. At the end of the 19th century, they began to sold in bags, facilitating its transportation and consumption. Decades later, technological advances such as the potato peeler allowed its mass production, cementing its place in gastronomy.
How to make homemade fries
Preparing home fries is easier than it seems and can be a fun experience to recreate this iconic recipe. Below, we tell you how to do it step by step.
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Necessary ingredients: For four servings, you need four large potatoes, extra virgin olive oil, salt to taste and, if you want, sweet or hot paprika to enhance the flavor.
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Initial preparation: Wash and peel the potatoes carefully. Then, cut them into thin slices, 2 to 3 millimeters thick. For best results, you can use a mandoline, which ensures uniform thickness.
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The soaking trick: I immersed the slices in cold water for 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch and helps make crispier potatoes. Then, drain them and dry well with kitchen paper.
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Fry and season: Heat enough oil in a large frying pan until it reaches 180°C. Fry the slices in small batches to avoid crowding and ensure they cook evenly. Once golden and crispy, remove them and let them drain on absorbent paper. Add salt and, if you wish, a pinch of paprika.
Source: Ambito
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