BAKED Chilli Garlic Potato ‘Fries’

Spice up your usual Fries and make these BAKED Chilli Garlic Potato ‘Fries’ – Tastes just like deep-fried, spicy, crunchy (thanks to the peanuts) and garlicky! 

This is probably the simplest, most delicious thing to come out of my kitchen, yet! Less than 10 ingredients to create this appetizer, that will have you licking the bowl of any bits and scraps left behind! It’s spicy, crispy, crunchy, and yet soft all at the same time! My mouth waters just thinking about this afternoon, when my husband and I devoured this bowl shamelessly!

Sambal Oelek

The one ingredient that really makes the difference – Sambal Oelek. It’s an Indonesian Red chilli paste and there are over 300 varieties of Sambal in South-east Asia. Ever since I discovered these 5 years ago, I swore an oath never to live without them. I get nervous when the bottle starts to empty, and sleep better once I’ve replaced it with a new one. The bottle I buy is just red chilli, vinegar and salt but I’ve seen versions with garlic too! If you see these in your local supermarket, grab a bottle and thank me later! Find it on Amazon here.

Perfectly Baked Fries

Here’s my tip for perfectly baked fries with a gooey center and a crisp exterior – Soak the potatoes in water for 15-20 minutes. Drain and dry them using paper towels. Toss in oil and line on a baking tray. Bake at a preheated oven at 400°F/200°C for 20 minutes, then increase temperature to 450°F/230°C and continue baking for 10 minutes or until crisp and slightly browned.

About 5 minutes before the potato is to come out of the oven, fry some garlic till golden brown. Toss in the baked potatoes, sambal oelek (Indonesian Fresh Red Chilli paste) and finally some chopped peanuts. Garnish with spring onions and dive in while still piping hot! And dive in!

When you make these (which I really think you SHOULD!), be sure to SHARE YOUR PHOTOS with me through Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. I’d love to see what you cook from here and will share it with pride on my social media feeds.

Baked Chilli Garlic Potato 'Fries'

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 2

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 large russet potato or regular potatoes ( 16 oz / 450 grams)
• 1 tbsp + 1 tsp oil
• 2 tbsp sambal oelek
• 1 tsp vinegar
• 2 -3 large cloves of garlic, grated
• Salt, to taste
• a handful of peanuts, chopped
• 2 sprigs of spring onion, chopped finely

Method

 

1. Peel and slice the potato in 1" thick pieces about a finger long. Immerse in water and let sit for 15-20 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F/200°C. Line a medium baking tray with foil.
3. Drain the potatoes and pat dry, Toss in 1 tbsp oil and a little salt. Transfer to the prepared baking tray spaced apart.
4. Bake at 400°F/200°C for 20 minutes then increase temperature to 450°F/ 230°C and continue baking for 10 more minutes.
5. When the potatoes are 5 minutes from being done, heat 1 tsp oil in a pan on medium heat. Fry the grated garlic till golden brown and crispy. Add in the baked potatoes, sambal oelek, vinegar and salt. Toss well to combine.
6. Once completely coated, add chopped peanuts, garnish with spring onion and serve hot!