These Are The Best Type Of Potatoes For Frying, According To Alex Guarnaschelli
Many cooks turn to Alex Guarnaschelli for food advice. In a recent tweet, Guarnaschelli commented about the best type of potatoes for frying. She "concurred" with the statement that red potatoes are her preference for frying while she uses white potatoes for mashed potatoes. Taste of Home suggests that potato types, like "starchy, waxy and all-purpose" should match the recipe in which it's being used.
Although Guarnaschelli has her potato preferences, other cooking experts might not be in total agreement on this fried potato issue. According to Fine Cooking, a red potato is "high in moisture and low in starch." Since those characteristics allow the potatoes to hold their shape, they can easily be fried. In addition, those same characteristics make a red potato great for boiling and roasting. As stated by Washington Potatoes, low starch potatoes absorb less water, which allows them to remain "firm" during cooking.
Whether Guarnaschelli agrees with the science or just prefers the flavor is unclear, but other food authorities may have a different opinion on the best potato for frying.
How many types of potatoes are there?
While a trip to the grocery store might yield a handful of potato options, the truth is that Potatoes USA reports that there are over "200 varieties of potatoes sold in the United States." Even though there are just "seven potato type categories: russet, red, white, yellow, blue/purple, fingerling and petite," the debate over the best potato for a particular cooking method will never end. Whereas one chef swears by russet potatoes for French Fries, another chef will only use that type for mashed potatoes.
The biggest takeaway from the spuds spectacle is to know that not all potatoes are the same. To that end, it's best to understand each potato's characteristics and how those factors will play in a recipe. Flavor and texture need to be considered when picking a potato for a particular dish.
While Guarnaschelli might have wanted to settle a food debate, she might have just passed the hot potato.