Curly fries
Curly fries are french fries cut into a spiral shape, typically seasoned with a distinct spice mix composed primarily of paprika, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.[1] Though they are sometimes said to have been invented by the Arby’s restaurant chain, their actual origins are more complex.[2]
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Associated cuisine | United States |
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Main ingredients | Potatoes, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder |
Variations | Tornado Fries |
Origins
The creation date of the curly fry has yet to be pinpointed, but its existence can be traced back to the 19th century.[1] Oklahoma City's Dolores Restaurant and Inn served curly fries as “Suzi-Q potatoes” in 1938.[3] In the 1980s, Washington company TaterBoy had the debut of the industrial “Curley Fries.”[1] The first company to produce curly fries in mass quantities is Simplot, which used the specific blend of spices that became popular.[2] Arby's is well known for curly fries, but they didn’t introduce them until 1988.[1] However, Arby’s may have been the first company to utilize Cajun-style seasoning on their “Curly-Q Fries.”[4]
![](../I/Curly_Fries_Arby's_(15088187957).jpg.webp)
Preparation
ConAgra Foods, the company which produces Arby's famous curly fries, uses powerful industrial machinery such as spiralisers or spiral scissors to turn whole potatoes into the curly fry shape.[5] First, the potatoes are cleaned, then are propelled through a set of pipes at 60 miles per hour by water. In the pipes, the potatoes are held in place and sliced by rotating blades, producing a spiral that has been found to go over two and a half feet long when stretched out. The fries are then blanched, dried, battered with a mixture with the seasoning inside, fried, frozen, and refried at the restaurant.[2]
References
- Crowley, Chris (October 4, 2016). "In Praise of Curly Fries, the Least Hip, Most Perfect Fry Ever". Grub Street.
- "Here's How Arby's Fries Get Their Iconic Shape". Mashed. October 7, 2020.
- "What's the history on those curly Q style French Fries that chains like Arby's sell? | Idaho Potato Commission". Idaho® Potato Commission.
- "No, Arby's Didn't Invent The Iconic Curly Fry". Mashed. May 9, 2023.
- Anna (2020-01-23). "Dish of the Day: Curly Fries | foodpanda Magazine MY". foodpanda MY Magazine. Retrieved 2023-07-05.