Homemade Fritos
- 80 grams (about 1/2 cup) stone-ground or other fine cornmeal (do not use whole grain)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more as needed
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- Vegetable oil for frying, optional
- Heat oven to 375 degrees.
- Cut 2 pieces of parchment the same size as a baking sheet and set aside.
- Bring about 3/4 cup water to a boil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornmeal and salt.
- Add 1/3 cup boiling water and mix with a fork until smooth.
- Add 1 teaspoon oil and mix again.
- The batter should be thick and slightly runny; if necessary, add more boiling water 1 teaspoon at a time for the desired consistency.
- Place one sheet of parchment on a work surface, and scrape the batter into the center.
- Top with the second sheet of parchment and gently roll out the batter to about .33-inch thick.
- Transfer the parchment and rolled batter to the baking sheet.
- Remove the top sheet of parchment and score the batter into small rectangles.
- Bake until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes.
- Allow to cool and break apart.
- Sprinkle with additional salt, if desired, and serve.
- Or, fry the chips as described below.
- Set aside a plate lined with a paper towel.
- Fill a small skillet with about 1.5 inches vegetable oil.
- Place over medium heat and allow to heat for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Test with a small piece of a chip; it should sink to the bottom of the pan, sizzle, float to the top and turn pale golden brown in about 30 seconds.
- Fry half the chips, using a metal strainer to transfer to the paper towel to drain.
- Repeat with remaining chips.
- Sprinkle with salt, if desired, and serve.
stoneground, salt, olive oil, vegetable oil
Taken from cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/12326 (may not work)