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Stunning plated serving of Crispy French Fries with Spiced Homemade Ketchup, a chef-tested recipe by Chef Jorj Morgan.
Jorj Morgan

Crispy French Fries with Spiced Ketchup

Golden, impossibly crisp French fries find their ideal match in a vibrant homemade ketchup, subtly spiced with warm cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. This elevated duo brings a delightful crunch and a whisper of unexpected warmth to any occasion.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 people
Course: Side Dish
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

The Tomato & Vinegar Base
  • 1 12-ounce can tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
The Spices & Water
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot ground mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt plus more for fries
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 cup water
Sunday Best Fries
  • 2 large Idaho potatoes scrubbed
  • Canola oil for frying

Equipment

  • 1 Large metal baking sheet
  • 1 Heavy-bottomed cast-iron skillet
  • 1 Heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • 1 Professional kitchen thermometer
  • 1 High-speed kitchen blender

Method
 

Homemade Ketchup
  1. Put the tomato paste, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, cinnamon, salt, pepper, cloves and allspice into a small pan over low heat.
  2. Pour in 1/4 cup water.
  3. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Cook until the sugar melts and the ketchup is warmed through.
  5. Set aside and let the flavors blend at room temperature for 1 hour or in the refrigerator overnight.
Prepping and Drying the Potatoes
  1. Peel the potatoes.
  2. Cut each potato lengthwise into 4 long slices.
  3. Cut each slice into 4 strips.
  4. Place the strips into a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge.
  5. Drain the potatoes through a colander and slide onto paper towels.
  6. Use more towels to blot the potatoes dry.
  7. The drier the potatoes, the more they will crisp.
The First Fry (Pre-Cooking)
  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Pour enough oil to come 1-inch up the side of the skillet.
  3. Use a candy thermometer to gauge the oil to 325 degrees.
  4. Place the fries into the oil and cook for 5 minutes.
  5. This step cooks the inside of the potatoes.
  6. Transfer the fries to a baking sheet lined with paper towels.
  7. These pre-cooked fries will keep in the fridge for several hours until you are ready to serve.
The Second Fry & Serving
  1. Raise the temperature of the oil to 375 degrees.
  2. Place the partially cooked fries in the oil.
  3. Cook until golden, about 5 minutes more.
  4. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with paper towels.
  5. Season with salt and pepper and serve with ketchup.