Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

• 4 potatoes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons starch (cornstarch or potato starch)
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce:

• 2 tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried mint
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 50 grams cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes

1. Peel and Cut:
   • Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized pieces or wedges.
2. Soak:
   • Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch and results in crispier potatoes.
3. Dry and Coat:
   • Drain and pat the potatoes dry with a clean towel. In a separate bowl, toss the potatoes with 1 teaspoon of salt and 4 tablespoons of starch until evenly coated.
4. Heat Oil:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
5. Fry Potatoes:
   • Carefully add the coated potatoes to the hot oil. Fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the potatoes until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the potatoes and drain on paper towels.

2. Make the Tomato Sauce

1. Prepare Tomatoes:
   • Dice the tomatoes and set them aside.
2. Cook Garlic:
   • In a saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add Tomatoes:
   • Add the diced tomatoes to the saucepan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens.
4. Season:
   • Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, 1 teaspoon of dried mint, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
5. Add Cheese:
   • Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese into the sauce, stirring until melted and well combined.

3. Assemble and Serve

1. Serve Potatoes:
   • Arrange the crispy potatoes on a serving plate.
2. Top with Sauce:
   • Spoon the savory tomato sauce over the potatoes.
3. Garnish:
   • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.
4. Enjoy:
   • Serve immediately while the potatoes are still hot and crispy.

Tips and Variations

• Potato Types: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for the best results. They crisp up nicely when fried.
• Sauce Variations: Add other herbs and spices to the tomato sauce, such as basil, oregano, or cumin, for different flavor profiles.
• Cheese Options: Try different types of cheese like mozzarella or parmesan for a unique twist.

Storage

• Leftovers: Store any leftover potatoes and sauce separately in airtight containers. The potatoes can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though they are best enjoyed fresh. Reheat in the oven to restore some of their crispiness. The tomato sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

These crispy potatoes with savory tomato sauce and melted cheddar cheese are guaranteed to become a hit at any meal. With their crunchy texture and rich, flavorful sauce, they make an irresistible snack or side dish. Give this recipe a try and watch as everyone raves about your delicious creation!