Turkish Fries Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming humble potatoes into crispy, spiced fries that make your taste buds do a happy dance. Let’s dive into this flavor-packed adventure that’s all about turning your basic spud into the ultimate snack-time hero. 🍟✨

I adore the preparation of Turkish fries since they raise the lowly potato to something super special. The seasoning is the secret, and my go-to fry seasonings are spicy paprika, rich cumin, and a dash of cayenne pepper.

Those three shelf spices turn simple fries into a flavor-packed side dish. I like to garnish mine with fresh parsley, which pairs perfectly, and add a lemon wedge for a zesty finish.

Of course, you don’t have to serve these with any Turkish dishes, but they pair nicely with my Turkish-style lentil soup from last week.

Turkish Fries Recipe Ingredients

• Potatoes: Rich in carbohydrates, providing energy and containing fiber.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fats, promotes heart health and rich in antioxidants.
• Paprika: Adds a smoky, sweet flavor and is rich in vitamins A and E.
• Cumin: Depth and warmth of flavor, aids digestion and high in iron.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds heat and spiciness, boosts metabolism.
• Garlic Powder: Rich in antioxidants, enhances flavor, and supports immunity.
• Parsley: Fresh herb, adds vibrant color and is a source of vitamin K.

Turkish Fries Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 large potatoes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

How to Make this Turkish Fries Recipe

1. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to start. While the oven heats up, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

2. Peel and wash the potatoes, then slice them into very thin wedges or sticks, shapes resembling the traditional French fry.

3. In a big basin, blend together the olive oil, paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

4. Thoroughly coat the potato wedges with the seasoned oil mix in the bowl.

5. Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet you prepared. Make sure the potatoes do not overlap.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

7. Take the fries out of the oven and allow them to sit for a few minutes. In the meantime, prepare the dipping sauce. You can use ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, or any other savory sauce you have on hand. Keep in mind that the sauce should be thick enough to cling to the fry but not so thick that it won’t pour. When the sauce is ready, serve it alongside the fries.

8. Move the fries to a dish for serving.

9. Top with fresh minced parsley to give it a zing of color and fresh flavor.

10. Serve at once and offer lemon wedges alongside the fries so diners can squeeze some juice over their servings right before eating. The lemon adds a nice contrast to the flavor of the fries.

Turkish Fries Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Peeler
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Large bowl
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Mixing spoon or spatula
11. Tongs (for turning fries)
12. Serving dish or plate

FAQ

• How should I cut the potatoes for Turkish Fries?Evenly-sized sticks cut from the potatoes, each about 1/4 inch thick, ensure the even cooking and crispiness of these delights.
• Can I use a different type of oil?If you prefer, you can use vegetable oil or sunflower oil in place of olive oil.
• What type of potatoes work best?For this recipe, the best potatoes are Russet or Yukon Gold, because they have the right balance of moisture and starch.
• How do I ensure the fries are crispy?Place the cut potatoes in cold water for a minimum of 30 minutes to eliminate surplus starch. Then, ensure they are completely dry before putting them in the oven.
• Is there a way to make it less spicy?Modify the quantity of cayenne pepper to suit your palate or leave it out completely for a more demure flavor.
• Can these fries be made in an air fryer?You can indeed prepare them in an air fryer for approximately 15-20 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket at the halfway mark.
• What can I serve with Turkish Fries?A good pairing exists between them and yogurt-based dips or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for increased brightness.

Turkish Fries Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitutes for olive oil: Can be substituted with avocado oil or sunflower oil for a different flavor or higher smoke point.
Paprika. You can use smoked paprika or chili powder instead of paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor.
Cumin powder: If you can’t find it, you can make do with powdered coriander. You will end up with a different tasting dish, but it will be somewhat close.
Cayenne pepper: You can use crushed red pepper flakes or chipotle powder to achieve a heat level that’s similar to cayenne.
Fresh parsley: You can use cilantro or chives for a different flavor with fresh herbs.

Pro Tips

1. For extra crispiness, soak the potato wedges in cold water for at least 30 minutes before drying them thoroughly. This helps remove excess starch and prevents them from sticking together.

2. Ensure the potatoes are evenly coated with the spice mixture by tossing them in a zipped plastic bag or using clean hands to mix them thoroughly in the bowl.

3. To enhance the flavor further, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika for a more intense, smoky taste.

4. Use a wire rack placed over the baking sheet to ensure hot air circulates all around the fries, making them even crispier.

5. For an additional layer of flavor, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme over the fries immediately after they come out of the oven.