Why are Belgian fries called French fries?

In winter, when the river froze, the fish-deprived villagers fried potatoes instead. It’s said that this dish was discovered by American soldiers in Belgium during World War I and, since the dominant language of southern Belgium is French, they dubbed the tasty potatoes “French” fries.

What is the difference between Belgian fries and French fries?

But some people say French fries are the thinner version of fries. Belgian fries are cut thicker. You can find a “friterie” or “frituur” (a place where they only sell fries) in even the smallest town. They are served with a wide variety of sauces and snacks.

Should French fries be called Belgian fries?

Belgian fries, not French The misnomer stems from a geographical error during World War I, when American soldiers stationed in Belgium believed they were situated in France (due to the fact that part of Belgium speaks French). When introduced to the delicacy, the soldiers nicknamed these fried potatoes ‘French fries’.

Are French fries French or Belgian?

Despite the common name of this dish (and the fact that France has given the world many famous foods, from the baguette to the soufflé), the French fry is unequivocally Belgian, at least according to Albert Verdeyen, chef and co-author of Carrément Frites, which charts the history of the fry.

What are fries called in Belgium?

frieten
Fries are very popular in Belgium, where they are known as frieten (in Dutch) or frites (in French), and the Netherlands, where among the working classes they are known as patat in the north and, in the south, friet(en).

What makes Belgian fries taste different?

Unlike their wimpy, vegetable-oil-fried American progeny, Belgian frites are always thick-cut, made with floury Bintje potatoes, and double-cooked in beef tallow. It makes for perfectly crisp exteriors and tender centers, with the beef fat lending a savory aftertaste to every bite.

Why Belgian fries are fried twice?

The potatoes are fried twice. The first time cooks them through and makes them tender. The second time, which can be done hours later just before serving, turns them golden brown and deliciously crisp. Keep in mind that the older the potato, the better it is for making fries.

What are Belgian Fries called?

frites

What is so special about Belgian fries?

Unlike their wimpy, vegetable-oil-fried American progeny, Belgian frites are always thick-cut, made with floury Bintje potatoes, and double-cooked in beef tallow. They’re first pre-fried at a lower heat and then briefly deep-fried at a much higher heat just before serving.

How many types of French fries are there?

There are at least 15 different styles of fry in existence: standard, waffle, thick-cut, belgian, curly, steak, shoestring, crinkle-cut, sweet potato, cottage, side-winding, tornado, wedge and smiley face, in addition to tots, if you count those as fries.

What country eat their French fries with mayonnaise?

Fries in the Netherlands are cooked in the manner of Belgian fries, but Americans may be dismayed by the Dutch choice of condiment: mayonnaise. Dutch mayonnaise is a little spicier than American mayonnaise, and Yanks who’ve lived there become used to the flavor on their fries, and often grow to love it.

Why are they called Belgian fries in the UK?

Belgian French Fries. And there they are known as ‘Belgian Frites’. The story goes that the Americans called them French fries during the war as they were ‘fried potatoes’ and came from France. In the UK we call french fries ‘chips’. Whatever the origin of the name, I think the fries you get in Belgium are superior to all.

Where do the best french fries come from?

The best ‘French Fries’ in the world actually don’t come from France, they come from Belgium. Belgian French Fries. There they are known as ‘Belgian Frites’. This post will give you some background and show you how to make your own delicious Belgian Frites at home. What are Belgian Fries?

How to make home fries like the ones in Belgium?

Here we are going to show you how to make home fries, just like the ones in Belgium. Of course, the Belgians have a few secrets to their frites. The first trick is that they deep fry their fries twice – which is why they are so good. Apparently, McDonald’s also do this, but that is where any similarity ends.

Are Dutch chips as good as Belgium fries?

Dutch chips are a great and tasty snack but in my opinion, they still do not compete with the Belgium chips or Belgium fries you can get in any city in Belgium. Served with Belgian mayo they are just fantastic.