The definition of “chips” varies by location, with US chips being thin and crunchy, UK chips being longer and thicker, and frying methods differing. French fries and potato chips have numerous variations, and different oils can be used. Other types of chips include zucchini, pumpkin, sweet potato, and tortilla.
The term “chips” can have different definitions depending on the geographical location. In the United States, for example, french fries are commonly pieces of a potato that has been cut into thin round sections and then fried in oil. In the UK, the same potato chip will be longer and thicker, similar to the definition of a potato chip in the US. The frying process consists of cooking food while immersed in extremely hot oil.
The terminology used for food products varies around the world. In the United States, when the word “chip” is used, it usually refers to a very thin, crunchy piece of food, such as a potato chip or tortilla. Chips are created with longer sections of potato. A potato chip could be fried or baked. This same type of thinly sliced potato might be called crispy in other locations.
The frying itself can be done in slightly different ways. Normally, a wire basket is dipped in hot cooking oil until the food is golden brown. Food can also be placed directly into the hot oil and scooped out with a slotted spoon.
A second method involves frying the food twice. The basket is first immersed in a lower temperature oil to blanch the item. After draining and chilling, it is then placed in hotter oil to create a crispy exterior.
There are numerous variations of french fries or potato chips. The fries are cut extremely thin, similar to a lace. A dimpled cut is a piece of potato that has a wavy surface along its length. The term “curly fry” refers to a potato cut into a spiral. French fries are another style of a fried potato and are often very thick, long cuts of potato.
An Australian recipe for french fries involves frying long stretches of potato chunks. The first time the pieces are fried for about five minutes. The fries are allowed to cool and then fried a second time for 7-10 minutes, until crispy and golden brown.
Choices of oils used for frying can also vary by location. The vegetable oil, canola oil, sunflower seed oil and peanut oil add different flavor to the final product. In some areas, cooks will also use lard when making french fries.
Other types of potato chips can include zucchini or pumpkin chips, sweet potato chips, and tortilla chips. Fried tortilla pieces make for very crispy, puffy chips. French fries can make a healthy snack when cooked in oils that are low in saturated fat.
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