Classic Hand-Cut French Fries

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• Vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying
• Salt (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Wash and peel the potatoes. Use a sharp knife to cut them lengthwise into slices about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
2. Stack the slices and cut them into sticks of even thickness. Aim for fries about 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide.
3. Place the cut fries in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for about 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, which will make the fries crisper.
4. Drain the fries and pat them completely dry using a kitchen towel or paper towels.
5. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot to around 325-350°F (165-175°C).
6. Fry the potatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer. Fry for about 3-5 minutes per batch, until they are soft but have not taken on color.
7. Remove the partially cooked fries and place them on a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil. Let them cool for a few minutes.
8. Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
9. Re-fry the partially cooked fries in batches until they turn a deep golden brown and become crispy, for about 2-4 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the frying basket or pot.
10. Once they reach the desired color and crispiness, remove the fries from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil. Immediately season them with salt while they’re still hot.
11. Serve the hand-cut French fries hot with your preferred condiments or dipping sauces.

Enjoy your classic hand-cut French fries! Adjust the frying times based on the thickness of the fries and your preferred level of crispiness.