Village Fries (Our Favorite French Fries)

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Village Fries

Being so close to DC is one of the best things about living in Virginia. We love the history, of course, but we also love the awesome restaurants there. One of our favorite spots is Good Stuff Eatery, run by Spike Mendelsohn (of Top Chef and Next Iron Chef fame). We always eat way too much food when we’re there, but we justify it because of all the walking we do on our DC trips. Our order usually consists of two burgers, two Blue Moon beers (because they have it on tap – yum!), plus an order of fries and a milkshake to share. The fries are unlike any fries I’ve had before, which was why we were so excited to see the recipe in Spike’s cookbook. They’re herby and delicious, and I’m so glad we can recreate them at home.

We often make baked fries when we have burgers at home. However, since the black bean burgers we make are healthy, I feel like it’s okay to splurge on the fries. That makes sense, right? 😉  This recipe is different in that Spike uses Red Bliss potatoes. Most fry recipes I’ve seen call for Russets or some other type of starchy potato, but I like this version because the skin can be left on the potatoes, making them tastier and easier to prep. We’ve made these several times and have often just used regular red potatoes. This time, we used a blend of small red, yellow and purple potatoes. Like any good fry recipe, these require a double fry in the oil. This leaves the fries with a slightly crispy exterior and a wonderfully soft and potato-y interior. The herb mixture elevates these to almost gourmet status. If you’re looking for a fry recipe to indulge in occasionally, this is it.

Village Fries

  • YIELD: about 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 1½ pounds red potatoes

  • Vegetable or peanut oil, for frying

  • ⅓ cup chopped fresh rosemary

  • ⅓ cup chopped fresh thyme

  • 1 tablespoon coarse salt

Directions
  • 1

    Wash and scrub the potatoes under cold running water, then pat dry. Cut in half lengthwise, then into long strips about ¼-inch thick.

    In a deep pot or Dutch oven, heat about 3 inches of oil until it reaches 250º. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and set near the stove. One handful at a time, add fries and cook until tender but still pale. Remove with a slotted spoon or spider. Drain on paper towels and repeat with remaining fries. Once all fries are cooked, refrigerate until cool.

     

  • 2

    While the fries are cooling, combine rosemary, thyme and salt in a small bowl and set aside.

    Increase the temperature of the oil until it reaches 350º. Line the baking sheet with fresh paper towels. Repeat frying process, this time cooking until fries are golden and slightly crispy. Sprinkle herb mixture over fries while they’re still hot. Serve immediately.

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COMMENTS: ( 16 )

16 responses to “Village Fries (Our Favorite French Fries)”

  1. I live 15 minutes from DC and WORK in DC so can you believe I still haven’t been to Good Stuff Eatery? I definitely need to make a trip there! Your fries look perfect. I’m so picky about my fries but those are something I’d definitely gobble up. Next time you’re in town, let me know 🙂 we can do a trip to Good Stuff Eatery together!

  2. I love homemade fries- yours look awesome!

  3. ErinCroutons says:

    I love a simple and delicious rustic recipe! And double fry?? Twist my arm. 😉

  4. These look amazing! I didn’t realize that you were in northern VA, I’m on the other side of DC in MD. We haven’t tried Good Stuff Eatery yet, but it’s definitely on the list. For now, I’ll have to satisfy myself with these fries!

    • Courtney says:

      I’m in Central VA, but we go to DC pretty frequently and actually want to plan a trip to Maryland soon. 🙂

  5. Shelly says:

    I can’t believe I won! Yay! Thank you!

    I love your blog and read it every day!

    Can’t wait to try these fries!

  6. I love how easy these look! Awesome idea!

  7. I live 25 minutes outside of DC and STILL haven’t gotten around to visiting Spike’s restaurant. I’m dying to, it’s on my list of things to accomplish this year! Either way, until then I am absolutely making these fries. My mouth is watering just thinking about them!

  8. These fries look PERFECT. Saving this one!

  9. Fries are one of those little gifts from God. And these ones look particularly heavenly. And please, do not be ashamed of the vat of oil necessary to fry these little dudes. SO worth it!

  10. Ellen says:

    We head to DC by metro every chance we can get. (We live in MD.)We love it there! We have several favorite restaurants but have never tried Good Stuff Eatery! Because of your posting, we are going next Saturday for our anniversary! Thanks!

  11. myfudo says:

    Love the herb-y flavor of this…I am so happy I can try this at home too. It is not too frequent that I go visit DC. Thanks for making our TV time more enjoyable. These fries are a winner!

  12. They are simply delicious! Love sweet potatoes with fresh herbs.

  13. Beth says:

    I live about 30 mins from DC and have not stopped at that restaurant. My go-to spot is Penn Quarter Sports Tavern right across from Archives. Looks like I have a new spot to haunt!! Thanks!

  14. Gail says:

    I moved from DC about 3 years ago and still CRAVE Good Stuff fries. I’m so excited to try these!

  15. Gail says:

    I moved from DC about 3 years ago and still CRAVE Good Stuff fries. I’m so excited to try these!

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