Papas a la provenzal
Papas a la provenzal: crisp chips tossed with raw garlic and chopped parsley, the bodegón favourite
Bodegones, the old-school Buenos Aires canteens with jamón hanging from the ceiling and waiters in white jackets, serve mountains of papas fritas, and the upgrade everyone orders is "a la provenzal": crisp chips tossed while still sizzling in a mix of finely chopped raw garlic and parsley. The heat of the potatoes takes the edge off the garlic, so it turns fragrant rather than fiery, and the parsley stays bright green. They go with milanesas, grilled steak or a plate of fried eggs. Adding the garlic to the frying oil is the error many make: it burns in seconds and turns bitter; it goes on only after frying. This method fries the chips twice for a crunch that lasts; for an oven version, toss the chips with 3 tbsp oil and roast at 220 °C for 35 minutes, turning once, then dress them the same way. Chef's tip: rinse and dry the cut potatoes very well; surface starch and water are what make chips limp.
- Total time
- 45 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
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Method
0/7 doneStep 1: Rinse 2 ¼ lb starchy potatoes (such as Maris Piper or russet) in several changes of cold water until it runs clear, then dry them thoroughly on a clean tea towel.
5 minStep 2: Mix 3 cloves garlic and ⅔ oz flat-leaf parsley in a small bowl.
Step 3: Heat 6 ¼ cups sunflower oil in a deep, heavy pan to 300°F; it should come no more than halfway up the pan.
Step 4: Fry the chips in 2–3 batches until soft and cooked through but still pale. Lift out with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.
12 minStep 5: Turn the heat up to 350°F.
Step 6: Fry the chips again in batches until deep golden and crisp. Drain briefly on kitchen paper.
6 minStep 7: Tip the hot chips into a large bowl, add the garlic and parsley and 1 tsp flaky or fine salt and toss well. Serve at once.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 380 kcal
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbs
- 45 g
- Fat
- 19 g
- Fibre
- 5 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does papas a la provenzal take?
- About 45 minutes in total: 20 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
- What can I use instead of starchy potatoes (such as maris piper or russet)?
- Sweet potato, same weight (sweeter, cooks a little faster).
- What can I use instead of garlic?
- ½ tsp garlic paste or ⅛ tsp garlic powder per clove.
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