Crispy Potato Sticks: The Perfect Sidekick for Any Meal

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    1. Boil the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into even-sized sticks. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the potato sticks and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until tender. Drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool slightly.
    2. Mash the potatoes: While the potatoes cool, finely chop the parsley. In a large bowl, mash the cooked potatoes until smooth.
    3. Season and combine: Add the chopped parsley, cornstarch, grated cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika to the mashed potatoes. Mix everything well until evenly combined.
    1. Shape the potato sticks: With slightly damp hands, shape the potato mixture into sticks or desired shapes (think thick french fries).
    2. Set up the breading station: Prepare three separate bowls for breading. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten. In the third bowl, add the breadcrumbs.
    3. Breading the potato sticks: Working in batches, coat each potato stick in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it evenly with breadcrumbs.
    1. Heat the oil: Heat enough vegetable oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat (around 350°F/175°C).
    2. Fry the potato sticks: Carefully add the breaded potato sticks to the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the pan, so the potato sticks have space to cook evenly.
    3. Drain and serve: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried potato sticks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley (optional).

Serving Suggestions:

    • Enjoy these Crispy Potato Sticks as a side dish with burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, or grilled chicken.
    • Elevate your salads by adding them for a delightful textural contrast.
    • Drizzle them with your favorite dipping sauce like ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise.
  • For a fun twist, serve them with a side of sour cream and chives.

Cooking Tips:

    • Use russet potatoes for the best results, as they have a high starch content that helps them crisp up nicely.
    • Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to ensure the potato sticks cook through and become crispy.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying. This can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy potato sticks.
  • For a healthier alternative, you can bake the potato sticks instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), arrange the breaded potato sticks on a baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Nutritional Benefits:

    • Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy for the body.
  • This recipe incorporates cheese for a boost of calcium and protein.
  • You can control the amount of oil used for frying, making it adaptable to your dietary needs.

Dietary Information:

This recipe can be adapted to fit various dietary needs:

    • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
    • Vegetarian: This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly.
    • Dairy-free: Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Storage:

Leftover potato sticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

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