Duck Fat French Fries with Horseradish Aioli

This recipe is from Episode 4 of This Food That Wine

Wine Suggestion: Gamay Noir

Yield: 8-10 Servings

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 4 cups duck fat (1000 ml)
• Thermometer
• Course salt, to taste

Horseradish Aioli

• ½ cup mayonnaise (125 ml)
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (5 ml)
• ½ tablespoon fresh horseradish, finely grated (7.5 ml)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C) to keep prepared French fries warm for serving.

Directions

1. Cut potatoes lengthwise into ½” slices, then cut the slices again to make a “French fry” approx. ½” wide.
2. Place the potato slices into a bowl of cool water, ensuring that the fries are completely covered with water. (This is done to remove excess starch from the potato and ensure its crispy texture after cooking).
3. In a large pot, approximately 10” high by 6”wide, heat the duck fat over medium low
   heat until the temperature reaches 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Check often using thermometer.
4. Drain the water from the potatoes and dry thoroughly with a paper towel.
5. Place 1/3rd of the French fries into the pre heated duck fat and cook ½ way through, approximately 5-6 minutes ensuring that the fries have no color.
6. Using a fry basket or kitchen spider carefully remove French fries and place onto a paper towel lined baking tray. Repeat until all potatoes are cooked.
7. Increase heat under the duck fat to medium and preheat the oil until it reaches 365 degrees F (185 degrees C).
8. Place 1/3rd of the partially cooked fries into the hot oil a second time by carefully lowering them into the oil using the basket or spider. Cook until French fries are golden brown and crispy, approximately 5 minutes.
9. Remove fries from oil and place on a clean paper towel lined baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle with the course salt. Repeat until all French fries are brown and crispy.
10. Keep fries warm in preheated oven.
11. To prepare the horseradish aioli, put the mayonnaise in a medium bowl and add the lemon juice and horseradish. Whisk together all ingredients until evenly combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
12. Serve French fries hot with horseradish aioli.