French fries

French Fries – a delicious and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30-45 minutes
Total time: 45-60 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Who doesn’t love a steaming portion of French fries? This recipe is not only easy to make but also very satisfying, combining simple ingredients to create a comforting dish, perfect for family meals or gatherings with friends. With a beautiful layer of potatoes, boiled eggs, and cheese, each serving is an explosion of flavors and textures.

The history of French fries is fascinating. This dish has evolved over time, inspired by various preparations from rural cuisine, where simple ingredients were transformed into nourishing meals. Today, this recipe is loved worldwide, being a popular choice in restaurants and at home.

Necessary ingredients:
- 700 grams of potatoes (preferably red potatoes or a special variety for boiling and baking)
- 5 hard-boiled eggs
- 150 grams of grated cheese
- 100 ml of sour cream
- Butter (enough to grease the baking dish)
- Salt, pepper
- 1 teaspoon of vegetable Delikat
- 2 slices of thin cheese
- 2 slices of dry cured ham

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the potatoes: Start by washing the potatoes well. Boil them in their skins in a large pot of salted water for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender. Check with a fork; if it goes in easily, they are ready. After boiling, let them cool slightly, then peel and slice them into rounds.

2. Boiling the eggs: At the same time, place the eggs in another pot with cold water and boil for 10 minutes. Once boiled, place them under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Peel and slice them into rounds.

3. Preparing the ingredients: Cut the two slices of dry cured ham into thin strips. These will add a savory and salty note to the dish.

4. Assembling the dish: Grease a baking dish with butter. Layer the potato rounds at the bottom of the dish, followed by a layer of sliced eggs, and then a layer of grated cheese. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and vegetable Delikat between layers to enhance the flavors. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used, making sure to finish with a layer of grated cheese.

5. Finalizing the dish: Pour the sour cream evenly on top and add the two slices of thin cheese for a golden crust. Place the strips of dry cured ham on top.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 210 degrees Celsius. Place the dish in the middle of the oven and bake for 30-45 minutes, until the top is golden and the cheese is completely melted.

7. Serving: When the French fries are ready, let them rest for a few minutes. Serve warm, alongside a mixed salad. You can use a stainless steel ring to create an elegant look for the salad, garnishing with a few chives.

Practical tips:
- Choosing potatoes: Red potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their creamy texture after cooking. If unavailable, you can also use new potatoes or potatoes for mashing.
- Vegetarian option: You can adapt the recipe by omitting the ham and adding vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, which will add flavor and texture.
- Even cooking: Ensure all potatoes are cut to the same thickness for even cooking.
- Perfect crust: For an even crispier crust, you can add a little breadcrumbs on top before placing the dish in the oven.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in good carbohydrates from potatoes, protein from eggs and cheese, providing a hearty and nourishing meal. Eggs are an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, while cheese adds calcium and healthy fats.

Calories:
A serving of French fries contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the amount of cheese and sour cream used.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen potatoes?: It is recommended to use fresh potatoes for optimal texture. Frozen potatoes may release water during baking, affecting the final consistency.
- How can I store leftovers?: French fries store well in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain a crispy crust.
- What drinks pair well?: This dish pairs excellently with a dry white wine or a blonde beer. Additionally, a cold tea with lemon can add a refreshing note.

Now that you know how to prepare these delicious French fries, all that’s left is to get cooking! Enjoy!