French fries with balsamic sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 8 cups canola oil, peanut oil, or vegetable oil, for deep-frying
• 1.5 kg of peeled and cut into strips potatoes
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 350 g Gouda cheese, coarsely grated
• A pinch of dried flakes red pepper

Preparation:

1. Prepare balsamic sauce: Pour the balsamic vinegar into a saucepan, place it on the stove, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the vinegar thickens and reduces to 1/2 cup, 8-10 minutes.
2. Prepare French fries: Pour oil into a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Place the pan on the stove and heat the oil to 105°C (215°F). Drop the potatoes into the hot oil in small batches and fry until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Then, using a slotted spoon, transfer the potatoes to a baking sheet and let them cool.
3. Increase the oven temperature and heat the oil to 180°C. Drop the fried potatoes into the hot oil in small batches and fry until golden brown, 8-10 minutes. Then, using a slotted spoon, transfer the potatoes to a baking sheet lined with paper towels and immediately season with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer the potatoes to an ovenproof dish and sprinkle with cheese. Place in a preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted. Remove the potatoes from the oven, drizzle with balsamic reduction, and sprinkle with pepper flakes.