This is one of those dishes that sounds absolutely ridiculous and equally unappetizing once you’ve read its description. I came across this over fifteen years ago on a menu at a yacht club and like any young adult, was quick to judge and promptly wrote it off. Fries with anchovies and peanuts? No thanks. It sounded more like something that would appeal to folks like the Gastronauts.
Despite my negative knee-jerk reaction, I was encouraged to try it and begrudgingly acquiesced. Oh how wrong I was. They were absolutely amazing! With the sweet and spicy flavor infusing the fries in an almost decadent sauce mixed with crunchy yet salty anchovies and peanuts, this was something else. I know I’ve said this many times before, but you will have to try this to believe it.
That was the first and last time I had Commando Fries. It surfaced from my memory a few night ago and I was inspired to share this unusual dish.. It goes without saying that you cannot make those who hate anchovies change their mind, but for those who do not mind them or actually like them, I encourage you to try this.
Print
Commando Fries
- Yield: 2 1x
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Scale
Ingredients
- 2 Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into strips
- 1 shallot, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dried anchovies
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
- 2 tablespoons chili paste / sriracha sauce
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Over medium high heat, deep-fry the potatoes until they are golden and cooked through. Drain and set aside
- With the same oil, deep-fry the anchovies until they are crispy. Drain and set aside
- In a separate pan, saute shallots and ginger until aromatic
- Add chili paste and saute until fragrant
- Season with sugar and salt to taste
- Add the fries, anchovies and roasted peanuts, stirring to coat
- Dish and serve hot
2 Comments
Suja Md
July 19, 2013 at 7:27 AMWow!! i never tried this combo!! Love the clicks too!!
Matthew Frazier
July 20, 2013 at 11:56 PMThese seriously look awesome. Nice job, you!