Summary – What you’ll learn in this article
French fries have a debated historical origin.
France and Belgium both claim their invention.
Potatoes were adopted late in Europe.
There is an easy method to make homemade fries.
Cooking technique is key to crispiness.
Where did French fries originate?
No fries without potatoes
It was in the 16th century that Spanish conquistadors discovered what Native Americans called "patata" and what we call "potato." Not very popular in Europe until the 17th century, potatoes were fed to animals before people really took an interest in them in the 18th century. In France, it was Monsieur PARMENTIER who discovered the value of potatoes in combating famine. His story is here:
Are French fries French or Belgian?
To me, they are French...
But there are two schools of thought: some say that it was the Belgians in the Ardennes who invented French fries, doing with potatoes what they already did with small fish. This was practical in winter when the rivers were frozen. They cut the potatoes into sticks of a similar size to the small river fish they used to fry. The other school of thought claims that French fries were invented in Paris where, during the French Revolution, a few years after Monsieur Parmentier promoted the potato, street vendors came up with the idea of frying potato sticks. They were easily found near the Pont-Neuf, hence the name "pommes de terre pont neuf" (Pont Neuf potatoes) that was once given to French fries...
And yet the world talks about "French fries."
An American soldier from World War I. They were nicknamed "Sammies" in France. Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: Wikipedia.
It was American soldiers in World War I who gave French fries their name. Deployed on the front between southern Belgium and Lorraine, they ate a lot of French fries there. And since French was spoken in the area they were defending (in Belgium and France), they didn't differentiate between nationalities and simply assumed that those who made them spoke French. They returned to the United States with this name for French fries: "French fries." As an anecdote, when the Americans decided on the second Iraq War in 2005 and France refused to participate, many restaurants renamed "French fries" in protest.
French fries in a cone. The world consumes more than 11,000,000 tons of French fries per year. Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.com: Shutterstock.
The easy recipe for homemade French fries
The recipe for homemade French fries is simple and accessible to everyone.
Simply peel starchy potatoes (such as Bintje), cut them into even sticks, then rinse them thoroughly in cold water to remove excess starch. After carefully drying them, the fries are cooked in two stages: first gently to cook them through, then at a higher temperature to achieve a golden, crispy exterior. Salting is always done after cooking to preserve the crispiness.
Our tips for making perfect French fries
Do not cut your fries too thick. They will not cook as well. Do not prepare them too far in advance. It is best to do so just before frying, otherwise your sticks will be "floury." Some people fry them in oil, but in northern France and Belgium they are also enjoyed fried in tallow (beef fat). Always remember to salt them twice, first with fine salt, then with coarse salt just before serving.
An original idea: oven-baked fries
You can bake them in the oven by brushing them with oil and placing them on a baking sheet, then heating at 230°C (thermostat 8). The best part is sprinkling them with a little herbes de Provence when they come out of the oven.
How can I make crispy French fries?
The secret to crispy French fries lies in cooking and drying. Potatoes must be thoroughly rinsed and dried before cooking. Double cooking remains the most effective method for achieving a golden exterior and a soft interior.
Our easy recipe for mussels and fries:
One of France's simple culinary delights is mussels and fries. If you've never tried it in France (which is a shame!), you can make the recipe at home. Here it is!
Serves 4
Fried mussels: the specialty of northern France. We recommend preparing them marinières style for an even better taste. Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.com: shutterstock.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg of French fries
- 2.5 kg of mussels
- 2 onions (preferably large)
- Flat-leaf parsley
- Laurel (one leaf only).
- 25 cl of white wine
- 50 grams of butter
- Pepper
No salt is added, as the mussels are already naturally salted by the seawater and will "release water."
The process:
- Clean your mussels. Scrub them under cold water, then leave them in a bowl of water for 15 minutes to allow them to release some of their sand.
- Peel your onions and slice them finely.
- Finely chop your parsley.
- In a casserole dish, melt the butter.
- Sauté the onions until they are translucent.
- Pour your mussels into the casserole dish.
- Pour in the white wine.
- Add the parsley.
- Stir with a large spoon for 5 minutes.
- Keep it on low heat while you fry your fries.
Tips:
You can replace onions with shallots. Some people put a handful of flour in the bowl where they put the mussels before cooking them. This helps to clean them and whitens them. It is not advisable to eat mussels that have remained closed after cooking. The best season for bouchot mussels (the best kind) is between September and April. They are more flavorful then. Bouchot mussels come from the Bay of Mont Saint Michel.
An article by Jérôme Prod’homme for Monsieur de France, with passion and pleasure in telling the story of France, its culture, tourism, and gastronomy.
FAQ – French fries
Who invented French fries?
The invention of French fries is attributed to either Belgium or France. There is no definitive evidence to settle the matter between the two countries.
Are French fries French or Belgian?
Today, both countries claim them as their own.
Belgium emphasizes their ancient origins, while France highlights their popularity.
Which potato should you choose for French fries?
Starchy varieties are ideal.
Bintje, Agria, and Maris Piper produce excellent results.
How to make crispy French fries?
Double cooking is essential. First cook gently, then cook at a higher temperature for perfect crispiness.
Can you make French fries without a deep fryer?
Yes.
They can be prepared in a pan or in the oven, with different but equally satisfying results
