Cottage-Cut French Fries

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. Leave the skins on for added texture or peel them if preferred.
2. Cut the potatoes lengthwise into slices about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick.
3. Stack the slices and cut them into sticks about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch wide, creating thick-cut fries with a rustic appearance.
4. Place the cut fries in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for about 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch and crisps up the fries.
5. Drain the fries and pat them completely dry using a kitchen towel or paper towels.
6. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot to around 325-350°F (165-175°C).
7. Fry the potatoes in batches to ensure even cooking. Fry for about 6-8 minutes per batch, or until they are cooked through but haven’t taken on color.
8. 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.
9. Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
10. Re-fry the partially cooked fries in batches until they turn a deep golden brown and become crispy, for about 4-6 minutes.
11. 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.
12. Serve the cottage-cut French fries hot with your preferred condiments or dipping sauces.

These cottage-cut French fries offer a rustic appearance and a substantial texture due to their thickness. Adjust frying times based on the thickness of the fries and your preferred level of crispiness. Enjoy your homemade cottage-cut French fries!