Italian-style Oven Fries

Italian-style Oven Fries Recipe - Authentic Italian Flavor

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 60 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Italian-style Oven Fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried potatoes. These crispy and flavorful fries are seasoned with dried porcini mushrooms, oregano, garlic, and olive oil, giving them a unique and savory taste.

History

Oven fries have been a popular side dish in Italian cuisine for many years. This recipe takes a traditional oven fry recipe and adds a twist with the addition of dried porcini mushrooms, giving the fries a rich and earthy flavor.

Ingredients

2 oz (57 g) dried porcini mushrooms
1.5 lb (680 g) potatoes
2 tsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
0.25 tsp pepper
0.5 tsp salt
2 cloves garlic, minced

How to prepare

Soak the mushrooms in a cup of lukewarm water for 20 minutes.
Drain and squeeze the mushrooms dry.
Chop the mushrooms.
Cut each potato lengthwise into 8 wedges.
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
Place the potatoes on a baking sheet coated with a little olive oil or cooking spray.
Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 60 minutes, tossing once or twice.

Variations

Try adding grated Parmesan cheese to the fries before baking for a cheesy twist.
Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary for extra flavor.
Experiment with different seasonings like paprika, cayenne pepper, or garlic powder.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the dried porcini mushrooms in lukewarm water helps to rehydrate them and bring out their flavor.

- Tossing the potatoes in olive oil and seasonings before baking ensures that they are evenly coated and crispy.

- Be sure to toss the potatoes once or twice while baking to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy on all sides.

Serving Suggestions

Italian-style Oven Fries are perfect served alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish. They also make a great appetizer or snack on their own.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the fries in the oven ensures that they become crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside. Tossing them once or twice while baking helps to ensure they cook evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have dried porcini mushrooms, you can use other dried mushrooms or fresh mushrooms instead. You can also use sweet potatoes or yams in place of regular potatoes for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the fries up to the point of baking them and then refrigerate them until ready to bake. This makes them a great make-ahead side dish for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Italian-style Oven Fries in a large bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. You can also sprinkle them with a little extra salt and pepper before serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Italian-style Oven Fries pair well with a variety of main dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. They also go well with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Italian-style Oven Fries contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Italian-style Oven Fries contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Italian-style Oven Fries contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Italian-style Oven Fries contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Italian-style Oven Fries are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains mushrooms and garlic, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Italian-style Oven Fries are a delicious and nutritious side dish that is low in calories and fat, making them a healthy option for any meal.

Summary

Italian-style Oven Fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried potatoes. With their crispy texture and savory flavor, they are sure to become a new favorite side dish for any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. It was a hot summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was a skilled cook and always had a new recipe up her sleeve to try out.

On this particular day, Maria was preparing a delicious meal of Italian-style Oven Fries. The aroma of garlic and herbs filled the air as she chopped the potatoes and seasoned them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. I watched in awe as she carefully arranged the potatoes on a baking sheet and popped them in the oven to roast.

As the fries baked, Maria regaled me with the story of how she had learned to make this dish. She told me that she had first come across the recipe during a trip to Italy many years ago. She had been wandering through the streets of Florence when she stumbled upon a small trattoria tucked away in a quiet alley.

Intrigued by the delicious smells wafting from the kitchen, Maria had decided to peek inside and see what was cooking. She was greeted warmly by the chef, a friendly older man with twinkling eyes and a thick Italian accent. He invited her to sit at the bar and watch as he prepared a batch of his famous Oven Fries.

Maria was mesmerized as she watched the chef work his magic, effortlessly tossing the potatoes in a blend of herbs and spices before roasting them to crispy perfection in the oven. She knew she had to learn the recipe for herself, so she begged the chef to share his secrets with her.

The chef, flattered by her enthusiasm, agreed to teach Maria how to make the Oven Fries. He took her under his wing and patiently guided her through each step of the process, explaining the importance of seasoning and timing in creating the perfect dish.

Maria had spent the rest of her trip in Italy honing her skills in the trattoria kitchen, soaking up as much knowledge as she could from the chef. By the time she returned home, she had mastered the art of making Italian-style Oven Fries and was eager to share her newfound recipe with her friends and family.

As I listened to Maria's story, I was captivated by the passion and dedication she had poured into learning this recipe. I could see the joy in her eyes as she recounted her time in Italy, the sights, the sounds, the tastes that had inspired her to create something truly special in her own kitchen.

When the Oven Fries were finally ready, Maria pulled them out of the oven and sprinkled them with fresh parsley before serving them up on a platter. The fries were golden and crispy, with a fragrant aroma that made my mouth water.

I eagerly grabbed a fry and took a bite, savoring the flavors of garlic, herbs, and olive oil that danced on my tongue. The potatoes were perfectly cooked, tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, just as Maria had promised.

As I savored the last bite of my Oven Fry, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. The memories of Maria's trip to Italy, the chef's generosity in sharing his secrets, and the delicious flavors of the Oven Fries would forever be etched in my mind.

And so, every time I make Italian-style Oven Fries, I think of Maria and the passion she brought to her cooking. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from her and to carry on the tradition of creating delicious meals to share with my loved ones. Cooking is not just about following a recipe, it's about infusing the dish with love and memories that make it truly special.