Tornado Potatoes
Serves 4Ingredients
4 medium/large russet potatoes, peeled
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup club soda
Neutral oil, for frying
salt, to taste
chili powder, to taste (optional)
garlic powder, to taste (optional)
smoked paprika, to taste (optional)
ground cumin, to taste (optional)
fresh parsley, chopped, to taste (optional)
4 large skewers, soaked
Recipe
1. Microwave the peeled potatoes for 2 minutes to partially cook them.
2. Insert a skewer into one of the potatoes.
3. Cut the potato with a paring knife around the skewer in a spiral formation. While maintaining a consistent angle and pressure, continue guiding the knife in a circular motion around the skewer. Try to keep the spirals as tight as possible.
4. Gently pull either end of the potato to spiral it around the skewer. Repeat with the rest of the potatoes.
5. Heat about 3 inches of neutral oil in a deep saucepan over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C).
6. In a large casserole dish, combine 1 cup of cornstarch, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1 ½ cups of club soda to create a batter. Mix until the batter is runny but slightly thick.
7. If needed, adjust the batter's consistency by adding more club soda for thinning or more cornstarch and flour for thickening.
8. Individually roll each spiral-cut potato in the batter to coat them evenly.
9. Carefully transfer the batter-coated potatoes into the hot oil using tongs or a slotted spoon.
10. Fry the potatoes in batches for about 15 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and lightly crispy.
11. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the fried potatoes from the oil, letting excess oil drain off.
12. Place the freshly fried tornado potatoes on a tray lined with paper towels.
13. Immediately sprinkle the potatoes with salt to enhance their flavor.
14. If desired, season the tornado potatoes with additional spices or seasonings of your choice.
15. Serve the tornado potatoes with ketchup or your favorite dip for dipping.
16. Enjoy your homemade tornado potato snack that's both visually appealing and delicious!