Diner Fries

There’s an undeniable pleasure in a plate of homemade Diner fries, smothered in rich brown gravy and garnished with fresh green onions. Often referred to as “Poutine” this dish was a favorite late-night treat after clubbing on Long Island. It’s not merely a side dish—it’s a culinary event! Serve it as a robust appetizer or a satisfying entrée, and watch as your guests eagerly return for seconds. Follow this step-by-step guide to craft this delicious meal from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Fries:

• 4 large Russet potatoes
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Salt, to taste

For the Brown Gravy:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
• 6 oz Shredded Mozzarella

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Wash and Peel: Start by thoroughly washing and peeling the Russet potatoes. Russet potatoes are perfect for making fries as a result of their high starch content and low moisture, resulting in a fluffy and crispy exterior.
2. Cut the Potatoes: Cut the potatoes into even-sized sticks, roughly 1/4-inch thick. To achieve uniform fries, slice a small piece off one side of the potato to create a stable base. Then, cut the potato into planks and subsequently into sticks.
3. Soak the Potatoes: Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water. Soaking the potatoes for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight) removes excess starch, which helps to keep the fries from sticking together and ensures a crispier texture.

Step 2: Fry the Potatoes

1. Dry the Potatoes: After soaking, drain the potatoes and spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Pat them thoroughly dry to prevent splattering when frying.
2. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot. The oil should be deep enough to submerge the fries completely. Heat the oil to 325°F (163°C).
3. Blanch the Fries: Fry the potatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Blanch the fries by frying them at a lower temperature (325°F) for 3-4 minutes until they are soft but not browned. Remove the fries and let them drain on a paper towel-lined baking sheet.
4. Increase the Oil Temperature: Raise the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
5. Fry Until Golden Brown: Return the blanched fries to the hot oil in batches and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Again, drain on paper towels and season immediately with salt.

Step 3: Make the Brown Gravy

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Make a Roux: Once the butter has melted, add the flour to the saucepan. Stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is well-combined and has taken on a light brown color. This is your roux, which will thicken the gravy.
3. Add the Broth: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth.
4. Season and Simmer: Add the Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. Lower the heat and let the gravy simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Plate the Fries: Arrange the hot, crispy fries on a serving oven-safe platter or individual plates.
2. Add the Gravy: Generously ladle the homemade brown gravy over the fries.
3. Top with shredded mozzarella,
4. Broil in the oven until melted.
5. Garnish: Top the dish with finely chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Tips and Tricks

1. Double Fry Technique: The secret to perfect, crispy fries lies in the double fry technique. Blanching the potatoes first at a lower temperature cooks them through without browning, while the second fry at a higher temperature achieves that coveted crispy exterior.
2. Choosing the Right Potatoes: While Russet potatoes are the go-to for classic fries, experimenting with other varieties like Yukon Golds can yield interesting textures and flavors.
3. Customizing the Gravy: Feel free to get creative with the gravy! You can add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or even a splash of wine for added depth of flavor.
4. Serving Suggestions: While this recipe is a showstopper on its own, you can pair it with a crisp green salad, some grilled veggies, or even a juicy steak for a complete meal.
5. Storing and Reheating: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store the fries and gravy separately to maintain their texture. Reheat the fries in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 5-10 minutes to regain their crispiness, and reheat the gravy on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of broth if it has thickened too much.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a simple yet irresistible recipe for homemade dinner fries with brown gravy and green onions. This dish brings together the comforting flavors of crispy fries and savory gravy, elevated with the freshness of green onions. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or a special gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy your culinary adventure and happy cooking!