Masala Fries (Kenyan-Style Fries)

Everyone loves French fries right? Whether they are baked or fried, fries are just the best! I love fries with a bit of salt and pepper and usually when I make them for my family, I start out cutting a lot of potatoes and then by the time I’m done frying them and “tasting” them – my family gets half a plate, or sometimes less! Haha!

Masala Fries are a totally different take on the tradition French fry. As a matter of fact, these fries have to be my all time favorite way to eat fries. They are tossed in a sweet and tangy tomato based sauce with bits of onions, garlic, cilantro, lemon and fresh tomatoes. Then I add in a bit of garam masala and a few other Indian spices to the mix. The result is insanely delicious and flavorful. I am pretty sure you will only want to eat fries this way once you’ve tried it.

And the reason they are “Kenyan-Style” is because this is how many Indians in my community, like myself, who were brought up in Africa eat their fries. There is a big cross-culture influence between Indian and African cuisines. And I absolutely love it! The food that comes out of this mesh of cultures is so good because of the fusion of flavors and spices between the two.

You have to try out this French fry recipe yourself to fully understand how delicious Indo-African cuisine really is! Just see for yourself!

KENYAN MASALA FRIES

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 4 Tbsp. oil
• ½ of medium red onion (finely chopped)
• 1 medium tomato (finely diced)
• ¼ cup of tomato ketchup (1/2 cup if you want more sauce)
• 1 serrano chili (seeded and finely chopped)
• 2 cloves minced garlic (1 Tbsp)
• 3 tsp (1 Tbsp) garam masala powder
• ½ tsp. turmeric
• 1 tsp. freshly ground cumin
• 2 tsp. lemon juice
• ¼ tsp. black pepper
• 4 Tbsp. fresh cilantro (finely chopped)
• ½ tsp. Salt (add more if desired)
• 2 lbs. of cooked French fries (fresh if possible) – about 6 to 8 medium potatoes

**NOTE: If you want drier fries, you can just add the ½ cup ketchup to OR 2 medium tomatoes, instead of both ingredients together.

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the red onion and cook for 5 minutes, until browned.
3. Add the tomatoes, ketchup, serrano, and garlic. Stir well, cover, and cook for 5 minutes (until the tomatoes have softened a bit)
4. Add garam masala, black pepper, turmeric, and cumin. Stir, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens a bit.
5. Stir in the lemon juice and cilantro.
6. Add the fries and salt.
7. Toss the fries gently in the sauce to ensure they become fully coated.
8. Serve hot.

Even though its for 6-8 servings, if you love them as much as I do, it’s more like a large personal order of fries! Haha!

Here is the recipe for my Masala Cheesesteaks to eat along with your Masala fries – its a perfect combination!

https://spiceculturecooking.com/2020/05/02/masala-cheesesteaks/

But definitely try making them and then let me know your thoughts! Comment below, tag me with your pics on IG @cmspiceculture or catch me on FB at “Spice Culture Cooking.”

“UWE NA SIKU NZURI!!” (Swahili)

Enjoy! :O)