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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 55 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

The Tomato & Vinegar Base
  • 1 (12-ounce) can tomato paste
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
The Spices & Water
  • ½ teaspoon hot ground mustard
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for fries
  • ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ¼ 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. Combine all ingredients into a small pan over low heat.
  2. Pour in ¼ 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. Pour oil into a deep skillet over medium heat to a depth of 1-inch.
  2. Use a candy thermometer to gauge the oil to 325°.
  3. Place the fries into the oil and cook for 5 minutes.
  4. This step cooks the inside of the potatoes.
  5. Transfer the fries to a baking sheet lined with paper towels.
  6. These precooked 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°.
  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.