Date: 02/17/2024 02/18/2024
Location: Star Lake Meditation Center
Teacher: Lucy Zhou
Weekly Buddhist Cuisine Menu
Spicy Crinkle-Cut Fries
Summary:
This is a crispy and flavorful vegan snack where crinkle-cut potato fries are fried or baked to perfection, then tossed in a spicy seasoning blend, making them a delicious and addictive treat.
Ingredients:
Potatoes 2 (about 300g, cut into crinkle-cut strips)
Cornstarch 2 tablespoons (for extra crispiness)
Chili powder 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Cumin powder 1/2 teaspoon
Five-spice powder 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
White pepper powder to taste (optional)
Toasted white sesame seeds 1 teaspoon (optional)
Vegetable oil as needed (for frying or baking)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potato Strips:
Peel the potatoes and cut them into crinkle-cut strips using a crinkle cutter. Rinse them in water to remove excess starch, then drain.
2. Blanch the Potatoes (Optional):
Bring water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and blanch the potato strips for 30 seconds. Drain well to help them cook more evenly.
3. Coat with Starch for Crispiness:
Toss the potato strips in cornstarch to coat them lightly, ensuring each piece is evenly covered.
4. Fry the Potatoes (Fried Version):
Heat enough vegetable oil in a pan to 170°C. Fry the potato strips in batches for 3-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and drain excess oil.
5. Bake the Potatoes (Healthier Version):
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Arrange the potato strips on a baking tray, brush with vegetable oil, and bake for 20 minutes. Flip them over and bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown.
6. Season the Fries:
While still hot, sprinkle the fried or baked potato strips with chili powder, cumin powder, five-spice powder (optional), white pepper powder (optional), and toasted sesame seeds (optional). Toss to coat evenly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy immediately. The fries are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with spicy, savory flavors.
