For us, chips are a lifesaver on those chaotic weeknights when everyone’s hungry, and time is short. We’ll admit it – like so many families, we’ve relied on the trusty bag of frozen chips from the supermarket freezer aisle more times than we care to count. And why not? They’re easy, comforting, and always a hit with ravenous kids.
But then we realised: with just a little extra effort, we could swap the frozen kind for homemade chips that are fresher, tastier, and far kinder to both our wallets and the planet. A single large potato, costing just 25p, makes a very generous portion of chips to satisfy even the hungriest child. Over time, the savings really add up – plus, there’s less plastic waste cluttering up your bin.
Now, making chips from scratch has become a family favourite in our home – even the non-cooks in the house are on board. They’re so simple, so delicious, and, dare we say, better than anything from a plastic bag. If you’ve been clinging to your frozen chip habit, trust us: this recipe will change your weeknights, and your bank balance will thank you too!
Ingredients:
- 3 large potatoes (baking, maris piper, plain)
- 40g plain flour (about 5 tbsp)
- Cooking oil spray, any (we used avocado, olive oil or veg oil will also work)
Instructions:
- Chop the potatoes. Cut potato in half (long ways) then in half again (long ways), cut slices about 1/2 inch thick for chips. For wedges, try and aim your knife towards the centre to create the “wedge” shape.
- Place cut potatoes in a large bowl right away (they will be damp). Cover them in the flour, covering liberally with your hands. They shouldn’t look completely white, just lightly coated in the flour. If you find there isn’t enough flour, add an extra tablespoon at a time.
- Spray a baking tray well with oil (or brush if you don’t have a spray). This will help them crisp underneath and prevent sticking. You could also use a baking sheet if you want to use minimal oil.
- Lay out the potatoes on the baking tray, and spray with oil.
- Cook at 220C for 15 minutes. After 20 minutes, reduce the heat to 190C for another 10 minutes, then check they are crispy/soft inside with a knife. If they are not as soft or crispy as you’d like, continue to cook for another 10 minutes.
- Cool slightly, salt and serve!
