Consistent, perfectly cut French fries—like the kind you find in a restaurant—can be tough to mimic at home with just a knife. ... The mandoline makes it easy to make mountains of delicious fries, of all kinds.

What type of cutting is used for french fries?

Place the potato on its side and using a large chef's knife, cut a thin slice off the edge to serve as a flat base. Flip the potato cut side down and cut thin slices; make them the width you'd like your french fries. Stack a few of the slices, then cut them in the other direction to create french fries.

What types of cuts is a mandoline used for?

The mandoline juliennes in several widths and thicknesses. It also makes slices, waffle cuts and crinkle cuts, and dices firm vegetables and fruits. With a mandoline, slices are uniform in thickness, which is important with foods that are deep-fried or baked (e.g. potato chips), as well as for presentation.

What is a mandoline slicer used for?

A mandoline—with an e at the end—is a kitchen tool no one should be without. The key benefits to using a mandoline are speed and uniformity in slicing, shredding and sometimes grating. Traditionally used to cut prep time to a minimum when making gratins, slaws and french fries, mandolines are tremendously versatile.

Can you use a mandoline to slice potatoes?

If you're cutting a potato, lemon, or other round fruit or vegetable, cut it in half. The mandoline can only slice a flat surface. Keep the other end round to give you a better grip. You may need to cut it into smaller pieces to fit inside the hand guard.

How To Cut French Fries with the Pampered Chef Rapid Prep Mandoline | Spring 2021

Is a mandoline slicer worth it?

Mandoline slicers are useful for getting perfectly even cuts, especially when you're trying to make them extra thin. Sure, a sharp knife will do the trick, but mandolines guarantee perfection and uniformity. They can be used for everything from potatoes for scalloped potato dishes to eggplant for parmesan or grilling.

What is slice cut?

8. Slice. Recommended Tool: Chef's, paring, or serrated knife. Slicing is a general term that means to cut across the grain into thin, uniform pieces. Almost every fruit or vegetable can be sliced, as well as other ingredients like cheese and bread.

What size is best for French fries?

As with anything you cook in volume, you must have fries of equal size to get a uniformly cooked product. The best thickness for French fries is 3/8 of an inch thick. Peel your potatoes, one potato per person for a large order. Then slice them lengthwise into 3/8 inch slices.

Why is it called a mandolin slicer?

The mandoline was invented in the late 18th century by Doctor Joseph-Ignace Guillotin (better known for his eponymous creation) and named after his ex-girlfriend, Mandy.

Do chefs use mandolins?

Most chefs can dazzle home cooks with their knife skills, but even they cannot perform such precision on yams and apples. Their secret, the tool that no chef would live without, is the mandoline. With this slicing tool, they can cut carrots on an angle into exactly one-sixteenth-inch slices.

How much does a mandoline cost?

Price. A mandoline can run anywhere from $15 to $300, so what's the difference? Cheaper models are likely to have a blade that will dull quicker. French mandolines, the most expensive variety, are made of stainless steel and are much larger.

Can a mandolin cut cheese?

Cheese. A mandoline isn't just for fruits and vegetables. You can use it to slice or grate any firm cheese. Incidentally, I've also used mine for chocolate.

What can I use to slice potatoes?

A sharp knife, a cheese planer, or a vegetable peeler should do the trick nicely. You might even be able to get solid results using a food processor with a cutting attachment. Just remember to be careful while cutting your potatoes no matter which kitchen tool you decide to go with.

Do I need a mandolin?

You don't need a mandoline (but they're damned handy). A mandoline is part of every working chef's toolbox. ... If you have even modest knife skills and don't do a lot of entertaining, you can do anything and everything you ever need to do in a kitchen with just a chef's knife and paring knife.

What is a French mandoline?

The French mandoline is the style that most students learn on in culinary school. ... Most French mandolines feature interchangeable blades that allow for a variety of cuts, including julienne, baton and ridge shapes in sizes that range from paper thin to ½ inch.

How do you not cut yourself on a mandolin?

1. Keep your blade sharp: Like with kitchen knives, a sharp blade gives you more control so you don't accidentally cut yourself. ...
2. Keep it stable: Rest the mandoline on a flat surface so it isn't wobbling while you slice.

What mandolin do chefs use?

64 Japanese Mandoline. The no-frills Benriner stainless steel mandoline ($35), is a known chef favorite, which we were excited to put to the test. It's uncomplicated and super sharp out of the box, with a straight blade that executes perfect, even slices every time, at every width.

How do you keep french fries crispy?

The best way to keep fried foods crispy? Just place them on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet. If you're frying multiple batches, throw the whole setup into a low oven to keep everything warm as you keep frying and adding to the rack.