Ingredients
- FOR THE POTATOES:
- 4 russet or Idaho potatoes, peeled
- 4 cups vegetable oil for deep-frying
- FOR THE SAUCE:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon minced cilantro
- 2 tablespoons Aleppo pepper (or substitute 1 3/4 tablespoons paprika plus 1 teaspoon cayenne)
- Salt
- 2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Method
- 1. Cut the potatoes into half-inch cubes. Rinse under cold water until water runs clear. Drain and dry thoroughly on paper towels.
- 2. Pour oil into a deep fryer, or a large, deep, frying pan, to 2 inches depth. Heat the oil to 300 degrees. Set aside a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Working in batches, if necessary, fry the potatoes until tender inside, about 5 minutes. Transfer potatoes from the oil to the baking sheet. Turn off the fryer, or if using a pan, remove from stove, but do not discard the oil.
- 3. Allow potatoes to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate uncovered for two hours. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce.
- 4. Heat the oil in a wide saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in garlic, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and pale gold, about 3 minutes; do not allow to brown. Add cilantro and stir until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat, transfer to a large mixing bowl, and set aside.
- 5. Remove potatoes from refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature. Meanwhile, heat the deep-fryer or frying pan to 350 to 375 degrees. Set aside a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Pat potatoes with paper towels to be sure they are completely dry. Working in batches, if necessary, fry the potatoes until crisp and golden, 3 minutes or as needed. Transfer potatoes from the oil to the baking sheet.
- 6. When all the potatoes are cooked, add to the bowl of sauce, and sprinkle with Aleppo pepper and salt to taste. Toss gently. Transfer mixture to a serving bowl, and garnish with minced parsley. Drizzle with lemon juice. If desired, serve with sliced tomatoes and scallions, or with fried, scrambled or poached eggs.