Peel the potatoes. Cut a potato vertically into 1/2-inch wide slices. Lay each slice flat and cut them into 1/2-inch sticks. Repeat with the remaining potatoes.

Fill a large bowl with ice-cold water and put the potato sticks in the water. Set aside to soak for about 1 hour or up to 3 hours. If it will be longer than 2 to 3 hours, put the bowl in the fridge.

Heat the vegetable oil to 300 F.

Remove the potatoes to paper towels and blot them to dry.

Fry the potatoes in about 3 batches for about 5 minutes, or until soft but not browned.

Remove the potatoes to dry paper towels.

Increase the heat to 375 F.

Again, fry the potatoes in 3 or 4 batches. Cook until the fries are golden brown and crisp. Remove the fries to paper towels to drain.

Sprinkle with salt and serve hot or transfer them to a 200 F oven to keep warm for up to 20 minutes.