Handy tips to make your own crisps amid shortage

Virgin Radio

10 Nov 2021, 15:12

Can't find your favourite flavour in the shops?

Experts have shared their top tip for making your own snacks at home, and it's easier than you might think.

There are currently shortages of some varieties on supermarket shelves, which isn't ideal with festive parties fast approaching.

Walkers is just one of the brands struggling to make it to shoppers, following an IT glitch. Oops!

Robert Strathern is co-founder of Fairfields Farm Crisps, and he's got the advice for you if you fancy making your own.

The first step, clearly, involves potatoes but you can't use just any old spud - you need crisping potatoes.

Robert told Metro.co.uk: "Crisping potatoes are not the same as regular potatoes, so your Maris Pipers aren’t going to have the same effect."

"A variety like Markies is a good chipping and crisping potato, for example, and are mostly found in farm shops."

Once you've got your crisping potatoes and a deep fat fryer or deep pan, follow Robert's recipe below:

Ingredients

• Crisping potatoes

• Sunflower oil

• Salt/seasonings of choice

Instructions

1. Using a mandolin (be very careful with your fingers!) Thinly slice your potatoes with the skin on.

2. Heat up your deep fat fryer to around 150°C, or use a heavy-based deep pan with lots of sunflower oil in. 

3. Place the sliced potatoes into the hot oil and stir carefully to prevent them from sticking to each other.

4. Cooking takes around 4-5 minutes, and they should be nicely browned and they will snap rather than be bendy.

6. Turn the heat off, transfer them carefully and quickly (without touching the oil) onto a wire rack with some kitchen roll and something underneath to catch the oil. 

7. Sprinkle with plenty of salt, or try whatever flavour you fancy with seasonings in your cupboard.

Enjoy your homemade crisps!

The Sun found that some naughty crisp fans were listing bags for sale on auction websites for £7 a pop.

Walkers had asked supermarkets to remove promotions in a bid to avoid shortages.

The paper found a single 32.5g pack of Walkers Salt & Vinegar crisps on sale on eBay for a ridiculous £6.89!

Making your own would certainly be cheaper.