Potato Preparation
Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized sticks, not too thin to prevent them from breaking during cooking.
Pre-Cooking
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and immerse the potato sticks for about 5 minutes, just long enough to soften them slightly. Drain and dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth.
Crispy Dough
In a large bowl, combine the potato starch, garlic powder, chili pepper, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Add the grated mozzarella and mix well.
Coating the Potatoes
Dredge the sticks in the potato starch and cheese mixture, ensuring they are well coated on all sides. This will create a crispy crust during cooking.
Baking
Arrange the sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, without overlapping them. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through for even browning.
Finish
When the sticks are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese to taste. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve: These sticks are perfect with a yogurt sauce or a simple homemade ketchup. They’re an ideal side dish for meat or fish dishes, but also a great snack any time of day.
Storage: You can store leftover sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. To restore their crispiness, reheat them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes before serving.
Variations
Vegan version: Replace the mozzarella and Parmesan with grated vegan cheeses or nutritional yeast for a similar flavor without animal products.
Alternative spices: Try adding smoked paprika or herbs like thyme or rosemary to vary the flavor profile.
Baked or microwaved: If you’re in a hurry, you can also cook them in an air fryer for 15-20 minutes at 200°C (400°F), maintaining the same crispiness.
FAQ
1. Can I use sweet potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes work great and provide a slightly sweet flavor and a soft texture, making them perfect for this recipe.
2. How long do they keep?
They stay fresh and crispy for up to 2 days in the refrigerator; it’s best to eat them as soon as possible.
3. Can I make the sticks ahead of time?
You can prepare the sticks up until you coat them with the starch and refrigerate them for a couple of hours before cooking.
4. What’s the secret to perfect crispiness?
Drying the potatoes thoroughly after pre-cooking and mixing the starch and cheese are the key to achieving crispiness without frying.
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