Matchstick Potatoes Barefoot Contessa Ina Garten
Crispy, golden, and utterly irresistible, Ina Garten’s Matchstick Potatoes are the perfect combination of simplicity and sophistication. Made with just three ingredients—russet potatoes, vegetable oil, and a sprinkle of kosher salt—this recipe transforms humble spuds into a restaurant-worthy snack or side dish. The key to achieving their signature crunch lies in soaking the potato sticks to remove excess starch and frying them in small batches to maintain the perfect oil temperature. Whether served as a crispy accompaniment to your favorite main course or enjoyed on their own, these thin, perfectly salted fries deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for potato lovers, this Barefoot Contessa recipe is a must-try!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 large Russet potatoes
- 4 cups Vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon (to taste) Kosher salt
Instructions
Begin by peeling the russet potatoes and cutting them into thin matchstick-sized pieces. Aim for uniform thickness so they cook evenly.
Place the sliced potatoes into a bowl of cold water to remove excess starch, which helps ensure crispiness. Let them soak for 15–20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and pat them completely dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
Working in small batches, carefully add the dried potato sticks to the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature.
Fry the potatoes for 4–5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even frying.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried potatoes to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.
Immediately sprinkle the hot matchstick potatoes with kosher salt to taste.
Repeat with the remaining potatoes, making sure to let the oil return to 350°F between batches.
Serve warm as a side dish or a snack. Enjoy the crispy, golden matchstick potatoes!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
8333 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 836.3 g | 1072% | |
| Saturated Fat | 119.5 g | 598% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 537.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1936 mg | 84% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 263.6 g | 96% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.8 g | 74% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.9 g | ||
| Protein | 34.7 g | 69% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 180 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 13.9 mg | 77% | |
| Potassium | 6721 mg | 143% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
