We have lots of family favorites and this is one of them.  I have had great success in making crispy fries in the oven that taste as close to that deep-fried crispy texture and flavour.  One of the key tips to making these fries is to soak first.  My method also makes delicious sweet potato fries, but you need skip the soaking in water step.<
While travelling on our dream trip to Paris a few years back, we tasted the best french fries (deep fried of course).  They were covered in garlic, salt, pepper and parsley.  Oh my!! I knew I wanted to replicate them for my family once we returned home.  When testing the recipe,  I felt it was the flavours that gave the fries most of their delicious taste not the deep frying, so I hoped oven baking would not effect that.    Of course, as was prepping for dinner I realized I forgot to pick up parsley.  Dry parsley just wouldn’t cut it, I needed something fresh.  I must have something in the refrigerator.  Ahhh Kale!! That might work, hmmm?  It worked perfectly.  Since I normally have kale in the house, that is now what I use in this recipe.  However feel free to replace the kale with parsley, chervil, celery leaves, Italian parsley, cilantro, chives, or whatever herb you love.  

Wash and cut the potatoes into french fry style lengths, or wedges.  Try to keep your slices evenly sized to make sure cooking time is the same.  I cut a 1/4 inch size slab then cut 1/4″ along the length of the slabs with a sharp knife.  If you have a french fry cutter you of course could use that.

As your cutting each potato add the pieces to the bowl of ice water.  Be sure all slices are completely covered in water.  Let soak for 20-25 minutes.  Omit this step if you are using sweet potatoesWhile the potatoes are soaking to remove some of the starch, start prepping the spices and finely mince the garlic.Wash, dry the Kale
Drain and rinse the potatoes, and dry completely with paper towelAdd the potatoes to a covered bowl or a zippered bag.
The oil or (almond milk), garlic, and chili powderDon’t forget about the fresh cracked pepperSeal the bag and shake until the potatoes are evenly coatedPour the potatoes onto a parchment lined baking sheetSpread the potatoes, to allow air circulation around each strip.  This helps the potatoes to crisp up versus steaming.Place in the oven and bake for 30 min at 400°.  I cook in a convection oven and that may help with the crispiness I achieve, however if you don’t have convection just move the temperature to 415°.  After 15 minutes take out the trays and flip the fries to allow the underside to crisp up as well.Finely chop the Kale and add to a large bowl for easy tossing
If you are using parmesan or vegan parmesan to the bowl.
Remove the fries from the oven and pour into the bowl Use the bowl to do the tossing instead of using a utensil.  This keeps the fries from breakingDon’t forget to season with sea saltReady to serve!Yum!
We love our fries with vinegar and or ketchup.  Ever made homemade ketchup?  You would be surprised just how easy and yummy it is to make.
Link to my Homemade Ketchup Recipe