In celebration of our 3 en Rama article, we wanted to give you an excuse to treat yourself and the people you care about most during the summery weather with a healthy and fun snack that will enhance the complexity of your chilled glass of fino en rama.
By controlling the ingredients and cooking method, homemade baked potato chips can be a healthier and more wholesome snack option compared to their processed, store-bought counterparts. When you make potato chips at home, you can choose high-quality, fresh potatoes and other ingredients. You can control the amount of salt you use, reducing sodium intake compared to many store-bought varieties. Healthier oils, such as olive oil or avocado oil, which contain beneficial monounsaturated fats, can be used instead of the lower-quality oils often found in store-bought chips. Homemade chips don’t contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives common in processed chips. Baking chips at home also helps retain more of the potato’s natural nutrients compared to the industrial frying process used for commercial chips. Finally, you can customize the flavor of your homemade chips to your preference using herbs, spices, and seasonings without the need for artificial flavor enhancers. Making delicious potato chips at home is super easy, the only equipment you’ll need is an oven!
Recipe for homemade salt and vinegar chips
Ingredients:
• Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold work well)
• Olive oil (Extra Virgin)
• Salt (Pink Himalayan)
• Seasonings: Sherry vinegar and Provence herbs
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
a. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
a. Wash the potatoes thoroughly.
b. Slice the potatoes thinly using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife. Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick for optimal crispiness.
3. Soak the Slices:
a. Soak the potato slices in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, which can make the chips crispier.
b. After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels.
4. Season the Slices:
a. Place the potato slices in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
b. Add a bit of salt and Provence herbs. Toss again to distribute the seasoning.
5. Bake the Chips:
a. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Avoid overlapping the slices to ensure even baking.
b. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. The chips should be golden brown and crisp.
6. Vinegar Spray:
a. Once the chips are baked and still warm, lightly spray them with sherry vinegar. You can use a spray bottle to ensure an even coating without making the chips soggy.
b. Alternatively, you can drizzle a small amount of sherry vinegar over the chips and then toss them gently to distribute the vinegar evenly.
7. Seasoning:
a. After spraying with sherry vinegar, you may want to sprinkle a bit of extra salt and Provence herbs to enhance the flavor.
8. Serving:
a. Let the chips sit for a minute or two to absorb the vinegar flavor, then serve immediately or store in an airtight container once completely cooled.
Tips
• Uniform Slices: Ensure the potato slices are of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
• Spacing: Adequate spacing on the baking sheet is crucial to allow for proper air circulation and crispiness.
• Even Coating: Ensure the herbs are evenly distributed to get a consistent flavor in each chip.
• Originality: Use only high-quality authentic sherry vinegar! Here is a top-tier example.
• Flavor Balance: The combination of sherry vinegar and Provence herbs will create a complex and delicious flavor profile. Adjust the amount of each to suit your taste.
• Seasoning Variations: Experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavor combinations. Some other popular choices include garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese.
Now, pour yourself a glass of chilled Lustau En Rama Fino de Jerez 2023 and enjoy your gourmet snack! This combination is sure to impress your guests or make for a delightful personal treat. The dry, crisp, and slightly nutty flavors of this fino en rama will balance the tanginess of the sherry vinegar. The herbal notes from the Provence herbs, a blend of aromatic herbs such as thyme, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, and lavender, will complement the aromatic complexity of the fino sherry adding a wonderful fragrance and depth of flavor. On the palate, the light, refreshing nature of this wine will cleanse the palate, making each bite of the crispy chips enjoyable and preventing the flavors from becoming overwhelming.
Additional Touches:
• Garnish: Consider adding a few sprigs of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the serving platter for an elegant touch.
• Accompaniments: You could also serve some olives, almonds, or cheese to enhance the snacking experience.
