The Art of Frying Potatoes: Why Soaking Is Sometimes Necessary

Almost everyone can agree that a perfectly crisp, golden potato chip is a delightful treat. However, the techniques involved in preparing these chips might vary. Some cooks swear by soaking their potatoes before frying, while others maintain this is a superfluous step. This article aims to explore the reasons behind potato soaking and address the myth of whether it's necessary.

Why Do You Have to Soak Potatoes Before Frying?

One of the key substances that comes out of potatoes during cooking is starch. When potatoes are cut, the starch granules come into contact with the air and water, which can affect their texture and appearance during frying. Starch is a complex carbohydrate that can lead to various culinary issues if it isn't properly managed.

Understanding the Starch Issue

When potatoes are cut, the starch granules are exposed. If these granules aren't removed, they can cause a few problems:

Gritty Mouthfeel: If cooked incorrectly, the starch granules can cause a gritty texture, which many people find unpleasant, especially when boiling potatoes. Greasy Appearance: If you fry potatoes that haven't been properly treated, the starch can cause the potatoes to turn dark and appear greasy, which is unappetizing and can be unhealthy.

The Effect of Soaking

Soaking potatoes is often recommended to remove some of these starch granules, improving the texture and appearance of the fried chips. The process involves submerging the cut potatoes in cold water for a period of time, typically an hour or more, and then drying them before frying. This step can significantly reduce the grittiness and improve the crispiness of the final product.

Are Soaked Potatoes Necessary?

Are you obligated to soak your potatoes before frying? According to many experienced cooks, the answer is no. In the author's own experience, having cooked chips for over 50 years, none of that time involved soaking. The process of lowering the cut chips straight into very hot oil and then lowering the temperature to allow the potato to steam cook achieves the desired result without any presoaking.

Other Considerations for Soaking

Some cooks may prefer to rinse some starchier varieties of potatoes before frying to remove excess starch. This is a simple step that can improve the texture and appearance of the final product. However, the author has found that for suitable potatoes, this step is unnecessary.

The Role of Reducing Sugars

It's worth noting that the browning of potatoes during frying is not solely due to starch. The browning is primarily caused by reducing sugars, which are present in potatoes, especially those stored at low temperatures or harvested late in the season with frost exposure. Starch is not the primary reason for the browning; rather, it is the sugar that plays the most significant role.

Soaking: A Detailed Look

Soaking potatoes involves a complex interplay of physics and chemistry. When the cut potatoes are exposed to water, the free starch granules dissolve and are washed away. This process can be particularly effective if the water is cold, as the lower temperature slows down the starch dissolution. After soaking, the potatoes should be thoroughly dried to avoid the risk of water sinking to the bottom of the frying oil and creating steam, which can lead to several dangerous outcomes.

Dangerous Consequences of Wet Potatoes in Oil

The consequences of using wet potatoes in oil are not just undesirable; they can be dangerous:

Increased Sizzle: Excess water can cause excessive sizzling as steam tries to escape the oil, creating a noisy and potentially unpleasant cooking experience. Oil Spills: The steam generated from wet potatoes can create enough pressure to cause the oil to spill over the pan, posing a fire hazard if the stove or cooking equipment is not safe. Explosions: In severe cases, the steam can build up enough pressure to cause an explosion, resulting in hot oil splashing and severe burns.

Conclusion

The decision to soak potatoes before frying comes down to personal preference and the type of potatoes being used. Experienced cooks have shown that soaking is not always necessary, but it can help achieve a more desirable texture and appearance. Whether you choose to soak or not, understanding the science behind the process can make your cooking experience safer and more enjoyable.