French Fries Without Frying

If you love French fries but avoid them for health’s sake, here’s a way to prepare them without the deep-frying.

You Need:

• Potatoes – 3 or so: don’t take too many, else what’s the use if you’re cutting down on fat but loading up on the carbs?
• Pot for boiling – 1
• Colander – 1: you can do without this, if you know the art of draining out water from boiled solids without using a strainer
• Wide non-stick pan – 1: you cannot do without this, a regular kadhai won’t work
• Oil  -  the tiniest bit
• Salt/Seasoning  – as you wish

How To:

Cut raw potatoes into fingers or wedges. Boil potato wedges in salted water till 3/4th done (when pricked, the knife should go through but not too smoothly). Turn them over in a colander. Run cold water over them, then allow to drain completely.

In the non-stick pan, heat as little oil as you want. Remember at this stage the Thumb Rule of Cooking: the lesser the oil, the longer the cooking time, the greater the chances of food getting burnt, therefore the more the attention you need to pay to the dish.

Put in the potato wedges and toss so that all the pieces are coated, spread them around the pan. Keep the flame medium-low, cover and cook for a few minutes (say, 5mins for 1cm thick wedges), stirring once in between. Now take off the lid and allow the wedges to brown. Toss the pan occasionally so that it roasts evenly and there’s no charring.

Before switching off, turn the flame high for a minute, tossing continuously. When it’s brown and crispy, you’re done. Add salt, seasoning of your choice (pepper/chilli powder/lime juice) and enjoy straight off the fire.

Notes:

1. Keep yourself occupied with something else when you’re making this or you might run out of patience. The roasting needs almost-nil effort from you but it does need a watchful eye and it takes time (15-20mins). Pair making this with a chat with a friend, or cooking a second dish alongside.
2. Baking is said to be another good alternative for French fries, which I haven’t tried. Have you?