Tartar Sauce

French fries with tartar sauce are a classic combination that never goes out of style. This recipe is perfect for a delicious snack or as a side dish for a main course, and the tartar sauce we will prepare is so tasty that it will surely become the star of the meal. Let's embark together on this culinary journey!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
*For the French fries:*
- 1 kg of potatoes (choose a variety that fries well)
- Oil for frying (sunflower or olive oil)
- Salt to taste

*For the tartar sauce:*
- 2 boiled egg yolks
- 1 raw egg yolk
- 250 ml of oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 2 tablespoons of mustard
- Juice from 1 lemon (or to taste)
- Half a small onion (finely chopped)
- 5 pickles (cut into small cubes)
- Salt and pepper to taste

History of tartar sauce:
Tartar sauce has fascinating origins and is usually associated with fish or seafood dishes. Over time, it has evolved into various versions, adapting to available tastes and ingredients. It is not just a sauce but a true accompaniment that adds a touch of freshness and flavor to any meal.

Preparing tartar sauce:
1. Making the mayonnaise: Start by preparing the mayonnaise. Place the boiled yolks and the raw yolk in a larger bowl. Use a wooden spoon to mash them well until they become a smooth paste.
2. Adding the oil: Begin to pour in the oil slowly, stirring continuously in the same direction. It is essential not to change direction; otherwise, the mayonnaise will separate. Continue adding oil until you achieve a creamy consistency.
3. Adjusting the taste: If the mayonnaise becomes too thick or separates, don’t panic! Add a teaspoon of lemon juice to thin it out and revive the emulsion. Once you have finished with the oil, add the mustard, lemon juice to taste (you can add more if you prefer a tangier sauce), salt, and pepper. Mix well for perfect homogenization.
4. Adding the ingredients: Grate the onion, drain the excess liquid, and add it to the mayonnaise. Cut the pickles into the smallest possible cubes and add them to the sauce. You can also add a bit more mustard for extra flavor. Mix everything well and let the sauce cool covered with plastic wrap in the fridge.

Preparing the French fries:
1. Preparing the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into the desired shapes – whether slices, sticks, or cubes, make sure they are uniform for even frying.
2. Preheating the oil: In a deep pan or wok, add enough oil to cover the bottom. Preheat the oil to about 180-190°C. You can check the temperature by adding a small cube of potato; if it starts to sizzle immediately, the oil is ready.
3. Frying the potatoes: Start adding the potatoes to the oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan to allow for even frying. Fry them until they become golden and crispy, then remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Sprinkle salt to taste immediately after removing them from the pan.

Serving:
Serve the hot French fries alongside the cold tartar sauce. It will pair perfectly with the crispiness of the fries, and the creamy texture of the sauce will add a touch of refinement. You can garnish the plate with a few slices of lemon for a pleasing appearance and a fresh aroma.

Useful tips:
- If you want to experiment, you can add chopped olives, capers, or even fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the tartar sauce.
- For a lighter version of tartar sauce, you can use store-bought mayonnaise, but it won’t have the same flavor as homemade.
- French fries can also be served with other sauces, such as ketchup or garlic sauce, to diversify the flavors.

Frequently asked questions:
- Why does mayonnaise separate? Mayonnaise separates when oil is added too quickly or if the ingredients are at different temperatures. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting the preparation.
- How can I store tartar sauce? You can store tartar sauce in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-5 days. It is perfect for use in various sandwiches or as a dip for vegetables.
- What is the ideal pairing for French fries? French fries can be accompanied by a refreshing drink, beer, or a dry white wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to grab the ingredients and try this delicious recipe. Enjoy your meal!