How To Make The Perfect Homemade French Fries For National Potato Day

STELLAR PROMOTION: Today is National Potato Day.

Friday, October 7th marks a very significant day – a day for celebrating the Irish potato, and all of the delicious meals that you can make with it.

Potatoes can be the starting point for any meal you’re planning on making, whether it’s a curry, a stir fry, a bake, or a tasty side dish. They’re also a key ingredient in many cuisines around the world, truly proving their versatility and regard across the globe.

Potatoes are naturally fat and gluten-free and have a whole host of nutritional benefits! Potatoes are a good source of dietary fibre, Vitamins B and C, and contain the mineral potassium which regulates heart function, muscle contraction, and water balance in the body.

They’re also super convenient to cook with, allowing just about anyone to create a whole host of delicious dishes in no time at all. Leave the skin on to save time in your favourite curry, or chop up your potato for quicker cooking time for your midweek meal.

This National Potato Day, Bord Bia is encouraging people to make some of their own delicious chips, wedges, and fries using locally grown Irish potatoes – say no more, we’re in!

So, without further ado, here’s a simple recipe for some incredible fresh homemade french fries from National Potato Day ambassador, the wonderful Jennifer Carroll (jens_journey_ie).

 

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You will need (serves 4)

• 5 large potatoes (e.g. Maris Piper, Rooster, etc) (approximately 1 kg)
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil (sunflower, rapeseed, etc.)
• Spices or dried herbs (paprika, cumin, oregano, coriander…)
• Salt

How to make the fries

1. Wash the potatoes
2. Preheat the oven to 230°C (Gas 8)
3. Peel the potatoes then cut them into chips
4. Rinse and dry them well
5. Place the chips in a salad bowl. Pour in the oil then the spices (or herbs) and stir until the fries are well coated
6. Spread the chips on a baking sheet covered with baking paper, making sure they do not overlap
7. Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown, turning your fries halfway through
8. Sprinkle with salt just before serving

What’s more is that there are over 300 more potato recipes available on potato.ie, so if you’re looking for dinner inspiration that’s both nutritious and great value for money, they’ve got you covered. We’re talking potato curries, potato bakes, and even potato muffins. 

According to research, 2 out of 3 people assume that the majority of chipper chips in Ireland come from Irish potatoes, when in fact, most of these potatoes are actually imported into Ireland every year. For this year’s National Potato Day, Bord Bia wants people to be more aware of where their potatoes are coming from, and to use locally grown potatoes when making some tasty dishes at home.

Lorcan Bourke, Fresh Produce and Potato Manager at Bord Bia says: “Irish people love chips, wedges and fries, particularly at tea-time or as a weekend treat to share. Freshly cut chips from locally grown potatoes can make the most delicious and satisfying meals – a real crowd pleaser. As part of this year’s National Potato Day celebrations, Bord Bia is highlighting the potential value for money that potatoes offer when feeding family and friends. The simplicity and versatility of cooking with potatoes mean that there are endless recipe options to suit any meal or cuisine.”

So whether it’s ‘chipper chips’ from a chip shop, or home-made chips, wedges, or fries you’re in the mood for, make sure you enjoy locally grown spuds this National Potato Day on October 7th.

If you need more inspiration, make sure to check out potato.ie.

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