The humble potato may be enjoyed in a tasty avatar with spring potato twisters, also known as tornado potatoes. In this creative recipe, regular potatoes are transformed into a delicious spiral shape that is both aesthetically pleasing and delicious in taste. These cylindrical cooked and twisted potatoes originally come from South Korea and have recently gained a lot of popularity all over the world thanks to their appealing looks and their pleasant, crispy texture.
These crunchy delicacies are typically seen at fairs and carnivals, but they are now simple to make at home. Owing to the fact that they may be seasoned as per taste and topped with a wide range of delectable ingredients, spring potato twisters are incredibly versatile. The options for flavour combinations are unlimited, regardless of your preference for traditional salt and vinegar or spices like paprika and garlic powder.
Choosing The Right Potatoes
Selecting the appropriate type of potatoes is the first step towards creating the ideal potato twister. Young, fresh spring potatoes, which are tiny to medium in size and have a firm texture, are the best choice for this recipe. Because they have a creamy texture and maintain their shape during cooking, varieties like Yukon Gold or Russet work well and guarantee a delicious bite. When choosing potatoes, make sure they are solid, smooth, and without sprouts or defects. Your twisters will taste better and look better if you use fresh potatoes. With respect to size and shape, if one is artistic one might want to try other sizes and shapes as well.
Preparing The Potatoes
After choosing the right potato, it's time to get them ready for twisting! To start, give the potatoes a good wash under running water to get rid of any dirt. Because the skins of spring potatoes frequently include soil, this is particularly crucial. Use a fresh towel to thoroughly dry them after washing. To begin the twisting procedure, the potato must then be chopped cleanly. Carefully cut a tiny, flat piece off one side of the potato with a sharp knife. As a result, you will have a solid foundation on which to spiral the potato. A wooden or metal skewer is required to form the iconic twister shape. Make sure the skewer passes through the centre of the potato when you insert it lengthwise. Slice the potato starting in a spiral pattern and working your way down to twist. Your objective is to make a corkscrew-like, continuous spiral cut that stays joined at the bottom.
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Seasoning And Flavouring
It's time to add flavour to your potatoes once they have been sliced and twisted. Using olive oil as a basis is an easy way to get started. This will encourage crispiness and help the seasonings stick to the potatoes. To ensure that every area of the twisted potato is evenly coated, lightly brush or spray it with olive oil. Add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for a traditional taste. For a smoky kick, try adding paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder to give some zest. Even a small amount of Italian herbs like thyme, oregano or any other Italian seasonings can make it yum and aromatic. You might also add more toppings once they are cooked, including cheese, more spicy chilli, or just some dressing, like ranch.
Image Credit: Sneha Biswas
Cooking Process
You need to use the proper cooking technique to create spring potato twists that are both crispy and delicious. The potato twisters can be made and cooked in many ways, each with its own unique tastes and feels like baking air frying and frying. Heat oil in a deep pan for frying. To prevent crowding, carefully drop the twisted potatoes into the heated oil in stages. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3 to 5 minutes per side. If needed, add more seasoning after draining on paper towels to get rid of extra oil. Choose air frying or baking if you want a healthier choice. Warm up the oven. Make sure there aren't too many twisted potatoes on the parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake until crispy and golden, turning halfway through, 20 to 25 minutes. Set the air fryer's temperature and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure equal cooking.
Serving Tips
It's time to serve your spring potato twisters after they're cooked. To add some colour and taste, arrange the fried potatoes on a dish and think about adding some chopped parsley or chives as a garnish. To improve the experience, serve the potato twisters with a mix of dips. The crunchy potatoes go well with home made garlic dip, spicy hot mayo or old ketchup. At parties or get-togethers, a 'potato twister bar' lets guests select their dips and garnishes. For optimal flavour and texture, these twisters are best consumed warm.
Image Credit: Sneha Biswas