Potato wedges are a part of American cuisine. This dish basically consists of potatoes cut into a moon shape and then baked or fried. It is a basic food that requires few ingredients to prepare. They are normally eaten while hot and dipped into sauces. They may be eaten alone or as an accompaniment for items such as fried chicken and cheeseburgers.
The size of potato wedges depends upon the size of the potatoes used. Making this dish generally begins with raw unpeeled potatoes. Since the skin will remain on the potatoes, they usually need to be scrubbed very well. Afterward, they are cut into wedges.
Some people may do this by hand, but there are culinary tools that can be used to do the cutting. These simple contraptions usually have a series of blades arranged into moon shapes upon which a potato sits. After the potato is placed on the blades, a heavier part of the cutter is brought down on top of it, forcing it through the blades.
The wedges are then generally seasoned with a number of spices such as salt, onion powder, and garlic salt. They may be battered using a flour mixture or fine bread crumbs. The purpose of the batter is to provide a crisp outside layer. If no batter will be used, the potatoes are usually oiled before they are seasoned.
Once the potato wedges are battered, they are either baked or fried. In both instances, oil is usually necessary. Oil is used for baking because it can prevent the potatoes from sticking to the cooking sheet.
Although some home preparation of potato wedges can be found, the dish tends to be most common as both fast food and as appetizers. They are commonly found for sale at convenience stores and at fast-food restaurants where they will likely be listed as side items. In these instances, they may be purchased to eat with other food such as fried chicken or fried chicken livers.
In restaurants and bars, potatoes that are cooked this way are often listed as appetizers. No matter where they are purchased, potato wedges are generally eaten with some type of sauce. Popular options include ketchup, sour cream, and ranch dressing. Sometimes, however, potato wedges are served “loaded.” This means they are topped with a variety of items such as bacon, cheese, and chives. In these instances, they may be served with salsa.