When it comes to snacks, few things can match the satisfying crunch and flavor of homemade potato sticks. These Crispy Vegetable Potato Sticks take the classic potato snack to the next level by incorporating colorful veggies like carrots, celery, and green onions, all bound together with a touch of cornstarch for that perfect crunch. Paired with a spicy mayo dip, this dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a great option for parties, family gatherings, or just a fun afternoon treat.
Ingredients
For the Potato Sticks:
- 300 g (10.5 oz) potatoes
- 10 g (2 teaspoons) vegetable oil
- 60 g (4 tablespoons) cornstarch
- 30 g (2 tablespoons) chopped carrots
- 10 g (1 tablespoon) chopped celery
- 10 g (1 tablespoon) chopped green onions
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Spicy Mayo Dip:
- Hot sauce (to taste)
- Mayonnaise (to taste)
Method of Preparation
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and use a fine grater to grate them. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in the potato sticks, as finely grated potatoes will cook evenly and form a cohesive mixture.
Rinse the grated potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch. This helps in achieving a crispier texture. After rinsing, drain the potatoes well and pat them dry thoroughly with a kitchen towel. The drier the potatoes, the better they will hold together when baked.
2. Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes, vegetable oil, cornstarch, chopped carrots, chopped celery, chopped green onions, and salt. The cornstarch acts as a binding agent, while the vegetable oil adds a slight richness and helps in achieving a golden-brown finish.
Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. The mixture should hold together well; if it feels too dry, you can add a little more oil or a splash of water.
3. Shape the Potato Sticks
Prepare a clean, empty plastic bottle. Ensure the bottle is thoroughly washed and dried before use. This bottle will be used as a makeshift piping tool, allowing you to create uniform potato sticks.
Cut off the top of the bottle (the part with the cap) using scissors or a sharp knife, creating an opening wide enough for the potato mixture to be piped through. For a creative touch, you can shape the opening into a star or leave it round, depending on the design you want for your potato sticks.
Spoon the potato mixture into the bottle through the wide opening. Use a spoon or spatula to push the mixture down towards the opening.
Pipe the potato mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, forming sticks or other desired shapes. The flexibility of the plastic bottle will allow you to control the flow of the mixture, ensuring consistent shapes.
4. Bake the Potato Sticks
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). A preheated oven ensures that the potato sticks will bake evenly and achieve a crisp exterior.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potato sticks are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid over-browning.
5. Prepare the Spicy Mayo Dip
While the potato sticks are baking, prepare the spicy mayo dip. In a small bowl, mix hot sauce with mayonnaise to your preferred spice level. The ratio of hot sauce to mayonnaise can be adjusted based on your taste preferences. For a milder dip, use more mayonnaise, and for a spicier kick, increase the amount of hot sauce.
6. Serve
Once the potato sticks are baked to a golden crisp, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. This brief cooling period allows the sticks to firm up and achieve maximum crunchiness.
Serve the crispy potato sticks hot, accompanied by the spicy mayo dip on the side. These sticks are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when their texture is at its peak.
Tips for Perfect Potato Sticks
- Enjoy Fresh: These potato sticks are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for maximum crispiness. If you need to reheat them, do so in the oven to help them retain their crunch.
- Add Your Twist: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices in the potato mixture. Adding garlic powder, paprika, or chopped parsley can bring new dimensions of flavor to this snack.
- Customize the Dip: If you’re not a fan of spicy mayo, try other dipping sauces like garlic aioli, ranch, or even a tangy yogurt dip.
Nutritional Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
These Crispy Vegetable Potato Sticks are a delightful snack that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. The combination of crispy potatoes, vibrant veggies, and a zesty dip makes this a go-to recipe for anyone looking to create a fun and flavorful treat. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a quick bite, these potato sticks are sure to be a hit.