French fries are a popular side dish that can be found in many restaurants. They are often served alongside burgers, chicken, and fish. Many people love the crispy, hot taste of fast-food french fries and find it difficult to give them up.

Here are three reasons why french fries are so addictive, and a recipe for making delicious homemade french fries.

1. French fries are highly palatable.

Highly palatable foods are those that taste good and feel good to the brain. They are so addicting because they trigger the release of the feel-good hormone, dopamine.

French fries, as well as other foods like pizza, soda, chocolate, and baked goods, are designed to be highly palatable. This is done to make them taste really good and increase sales.

2. French fries trigger dopamine in the brain.

Eating foods that taste good, like french fries, can trigger the release of dopamine in the brain. This hormone makes you want more and more of that food to feel good.

However, it is usually the highly processed foods like french fries, pizza, and chocolate that trigger this hormone, rather than whole vegetables or meats.

3. A new taste has been identified that increases addiction.

Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a sixth taste, in addition to sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami flavors. This new taste is starchy, and it allows people to taste things like rice, bread, pasta, and other foods that have a flour-like flavor.

French fries are starchy, and they hit the palate differently than other salty foods. The combination of starch, salt, and fat creates a flavor and mouthfeel that can be difficult to resist.

Now that you know why french fries are so addictive, here is a recipe for making delicious homemade french fries:

Ingredients:

Russet potatoes

Oil for frying (canola, peanut, or vegetable oil)

Salt

Ketchup (optional)

Instructions:

1. Slice the potatoes into 1/2-inch thick slices. Use a French Fry Cutter if available to make this easier.

2. Soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for at least an hour or overnight. The longer you soak them, the crispier they will be.

3. Rinse the potatoes twice with cold water and pat them completely dry.

4. Heat the oil to 300 degrees Fahrenheit in a deep pot or fryer.

5. Fry the potatoes in about 6 batches for 5-6 minutes each. Don’t overcrowd them in the oil or they won’t be as crispy. Use a slotted spoon to 6. remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

7. Increase the heat of the oil to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry the potatoes in batches until they are golden brown, about 5 minutes.

8. Remove the fries from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

9. Sprinkle the fries with salt and serve with ketchup.

If you want to add some extra flavor to your homemade french fries, try this recipe for a classic nacho cheese sauce:

Ingredients:

1 jalapeno pepper, sliced and seeds removed

2 tablespoons of butter

2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour

1 cup of milk

1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon of hot sauce

1/4 teaspoon of paprika

1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the sliced jalapeno. Let the jalapenos flavor the butter for about 2 minutes. Remove the jalapenos and leave the butter in the pan.

2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, until you can no longer smell the flour. This will create a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.

3. Gradually add the milk in splashes, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth result. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.

4. Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, and paprika to the mixture, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to low, as the base should not be too hot when the cheese is added, or the sauce will become grainy.

5. Gradually add the cheese while stirring continuously until it is melted and smooth. Serve immediately with the French fries, or save the leftovers for chili cheese dogs or other dishes.

French fries are highly palatable and trigger dopamine in the brain, making them an addictive food. The combination of starch, salt, and fat creates a unique flavor and mouthfeel that is difficult to resist.

However, with the right recipe and technique, you can make delicious homemade French fries and sauce to satisfy your cravings. Just remember to enjoy them in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.