South African Slap Chips!

South African Slap Chips:

South African slap chips are one of the most beloved comfort foods in South Africa, known for their soft, tender texture and flavorful seasoning. They are distinctively different from traditional crispy fries, as they are intentionally cooked to be soft and often served with tangy, sweet, or savory sauces. Slap chips are usually enjoyed as a side dish, snack, or even as a street food staple, and they are often paired with a variety of South African dishes like bunny chow, grilled meats, or a delicious boerewors roll.

In this recipe, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of making authentic South African slap chips, complete with the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether you are craving a delicious snack or looking for a new way to serve potatoes, these slap chips will certainly hit the spot.

Ingredients for South African Slap Chips

To make this deliciously soft and flavorful dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes – Make sure to choose good quality potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
• Vegetable oil – This is for frying the chips. You can also use sunflower oil or canola oil.
• Salt – This will be added to taste, both in the frying process and on top after the chips are ready.
• 1 tablespoon of vinegar – For a slight tang and to bring out the flavors.
• ½ cup of tomato sauce (ketchup) – The sweet and tangy component that adds richness to the dish.
• 1 tablespoon of sugar – To balance the acidity of the vinegar and create a well-rounded sauce.
• ½ teaspoon of paprika – For a hint of smoky flavor and heat.
• Freshly ground black pepper – A dash of pepper adds complexity to the flavor.
• Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or coriander (for some color and additional flavor).

The beauty of slap chips is that they are easy to make with basic ingredients you may already have in your kitchen. The real secret lies in the preparation, cooking process, and the sauce that you pour over them at the end.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make South African Slap Chips

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by preparing the potatoes. Peel the potatoes using a vegetable peeler or knife. Once peeled, cut them into thick chips or fries. The key to slap chips is that they are thick-cut, giving them a soft interior once fried. Aim for each fry to be about 1 to 1.5 cm wide.

After cutting the potatoes, place them in a bowl of cold water to rinse away excess starch. This will help prevent them from sticking together during the frying process. Let them sit in the water for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Heat the Oil for Frying

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or deep fryer over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to fry the potatoes without overcooking them quickly. The ideal temperature is around 160-170°C (320-340°F).

Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the fries to cook unevenly. Fry the chips in batches to ensure they are soft and tender.

Step 3: Fry the Chips

Once the oil is heated, carefully place a batch of the soaked potato fries into the oil. Fry the chips for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The goal is not to make them crispy like regular French fries but to cook them until they are soft, tender, and lightly golden. The fries should become slightly mushy on the inside, with a slight golden hue on the outside.

After frying each batch, remove the chips and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off excess oil.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce for Slap Chips

The sauce is where the magic happens, and it’s what differentiates South African slap chips from other types of fries. While the chips are frying, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of vinegar – This adds a tangy kick to balance the richness of the fries.
• ½ cup of tomato sauce (ketchup) – This brings sweetness and a slight tanginess, complementing the vinegar.
• 1 tablespoon of sugar – This helps balance the acidity of the vinegar and adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
• ½ teaspoon of paprika – For a subtle smokiness and a bit of warmth.
• Freshly ground black pepper – Add to taste for a peppery note that enhances the overall flavor.

Mix the ingredients together well, and taste the sauce. You can adjust the sugar or vinegar to suit your preferences, depending on how tangy or sweet you want the sauce to be.

Step 5: Assemble the Slap Chips

Once all the chips are fried and drained, it’s time to assemble the dish. Place the warm, soft chips in a large bowl or platter. Drizzle the prepared sauce generously over the chips, ensuring they are evenly coated. The sauce should soak into the fries, giving them that signature “slap” texture – soft, flavorful, and comforting.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Now that your South African slap chips are ready, it’s time to serve them! These chips can be enjoyed on their own as a snack or paired with any number of South African favorites. Here are some popular ways to enjoy slap chips:

• With a Bunny Chow – Slap chips are often served as a side dish with the famous South African bunny chow, a dish consisting of curry served in a hollowed-out loaf of white bread.
• With Boerewors – Another traditional South African dish, boerewors is a type of sausage often grilled and served with slap chips for a hearty meal.
• As a Street Food – Slap chips are popular in South African street food culture and can be enjoyed at casual gatherings, festivals, or as a quick snack.

You can garnish your slap chips with some freshly chopped parsley or coriander for added freshness and flavor.

Tips for Perfect South African Slap Chips

• Choosing the Right Potatoes: Choose waxy potatoes, like Russet or Maris Piper, as they hold their shape better when fried and create a soft interior.
• Frying at the Right Temperature: Avoid overheating the oil. Frying at too high a temperature will cause the chips to crisp up too much, defeating the purpose of making them soft. Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying.
• Serving Immediately: Slap chips are best served hot and fresh, so be sure to enjoy them while they’re still soft and flavorful.

Conclusion

South African slap chips are a fantastic dish that combines the simplicity of potatoes with the bold flavors of tangy vinegar and sweet tomato sauce. They are soft, comforting, and full of character, making them a popular side dish or snack in South African cuisine. Whether you’re enjoying them at a braai (barbecue), as part of a hearty meal, or just as a quick snack, slap chips offer a delicious taste of South Africa.