Vegetarian Crispy Lard-Cooked Fries
Indulge in the perfect snack or side dish with these Vegetarian Crispy Lard-Cooked Fries—a plant-based twist on the classic crispy fries cooked in rich, indulgent fat. These golden, restaurant-quality fries are crafted using russet potatoes for their starchy texture, and they're fried to crunchy perfection in vegetable shortening or coconut oil instead of traditional lard. A cornstarch slurry adds an extra layer of crunch, ensuring every fry is flawlessly crisp on the outside while soft and fluffy on the inside. With a quick soak to remove excess starch and just the right seasoning of salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor, these fries are as irresistible as they are easy to make. Perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce, they’re a deliciously satisfying option for vegetarians and fry enthusiasts alike.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1.5 cups vegetable shortening or coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Peel the russet potatoes and cut them into 1/4-inch thick fries.
Rinse the cut potatoes in cold water, then soak them in a large bowl of fresh cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, ensuring extra crispiness.
While the potatoes are soaking, melt the vegetable shortening or coconut oil in a large, deep skillet or a Dutch oven over medium heat, ensuring it's enough to completely submerge the fries.
After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry thoroughly with a clean towel to prevent oil splatter.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Toss the dried potato fries with the cornstarch slurry to coat them evenly.
Once the oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully add a handful of fries without overcrowding the pan, frying in batches if necessary.
Fry the potato sticks for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Remove the fries with a slotted spoon and drain them on a wire rack over a baking sheet or on paper towels.
Immediately season the hot fries generously with salt and black pepper.
Serve the fries warm with your favorite dipping sauce or as a savory side dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4363 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 354.6 g | 455% | |
| Saturated Fat | 88.7 g | 444% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2529 mg | 110% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 278.9 g | 101% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.2 g | 76% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.9 g | ||
| Protein | 34.8 g | 70% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 188 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 14.3 mg | 79% | |
| Potassium | 6736 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.
