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🔍 Why Vinegar Works
When you boil potatoes before frying or baking them, adding a splash of vinegar to the water helps strengthen the potato’s surface. The mild acid in vinegar helps the outer layer of starches stay intact instead of breaking down — and that means:
- Firmer edges that crisp beautifully when fried or baked.
- Less sogginess, even after cooling.
- Better flavor, with a subtle tang that makes every bite irresistible.
It’s a trick used by professional kitchens and five-star chefs who know that perfect chips are all about science — and timing.
🍟 The Vinegar Chip Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 medium russet potatoes (or any starchy variety)
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- Salt, to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable, peanut, or sunflower oil)
Instructions:
1. Slice and Soak
2. Boil with Vinegar
In a pot, bring 4 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of vinegar to a boil. Add the drained potato slices and boil for 5 minutes.
👉 Don’t overcook — you just want them slightly tender, not soft.
3. Dry Completely
Drain and pat the potatoes dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so take your time here.
4. Fry Twice (the Chef’s Trick!)
- First fry: Heat oil to 325°F (160°C) and cook the potatoes in batches for 3–4 minutes, until pale and soft. Remove and let them rest for 10 minutes.
- Second fry: Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) and fry again for 2–3 minutes, until golden and crispy.
5. Season and Serve
Drain on paper towels, sprinkle generously with salt (and maybe a little vinegar powder if you love that tangy kick!), and serve hot.
🧂 The Science Behind the Crunch
The double-frying method creates layers of crispness, while vinegar prevents the potato surface from breaking apart during boiling. The result?
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside — the perfect chip texture.
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