Fries and Frites: What Makes Them Different?

Do you know the difference between fries and frites? Most people use these words interchangeably, but there is a big difference between the two!

So what’s the difference?

The answer is below!

Contents

What Is the Difference Between Fries and Frites?

Here are the 2 main differences between them:

1. The Origin Of Fries And Frites 

Fries have their origins in Europe, with Belgium often cited as their country of origin. It’s said that during World War I, Belgian soldiers fried up small pieces of potato as a way to make their meals more filling.

Soon enough, restaurants began serving them to customers as an accompaniment to various dishes. 

Frites, on the other hand, come from France. In fact, the word “frite” is derived from the French word for “fried”.

french fries -  fries and frites

According to some historians, French people have been eating deep-fried potatoes since at least 1680! This makes frites one of the oldest culinary creations still in existence today. 

2. The Difference In Taste And Texture 

When it comes to taste and texture, fries tend to be crispier and lighter than frites. This is because they usually contain less fat than frites do (although this can vary depending on how they’re prepared).

Fries also tend to be thinner than frites; this gives them a crunchier texture when cooked properly. 

On the other hand, frites are usually thicker and heavier than fries due to their higher fat content. As such, they tend to be softer when cooked but still maintain a certain amount of crunchiness. 

Aesthetically speaking, fries are typically long and thin while frites are shorter and thicker—but again this can depend on how they’re prepared before cooking them!

Regardless of shape or size though, both should always have a golden brown hue when cooked properly. 

What Kind of Food Is Frites?

Frites are often served as a side dish or snack, typically with ketchup or other sauces. They can also be used to top various entrées like steak and fish, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture. 

Meanwhile, fries are commonly eaten as a fast-food item in the form of “french fries”, or as an accompaniment to burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches. They can also be served with dipping sauces like mayonnaise, mustard, and more. 

What Do the French Put On Their French Fries?

The French often enjoy their fries with a variety of sauces. Mayonnaise is the most popular condiment to accompany french fries, and is sometimes also mixed with ketchup to make a “fry sauce”.

Other popular sauces include tartar sauce, garlic mayonnaise, and bearnaise. The French also enjoy their frites with olive oil and sea salt, as well as with herbs like rosemary. 

No matter how they’re served, fries and frites are a delicious part of French cuisine that can be enjoyed in many different ways!

How Long Should I Soak Fries in Water?

Fries should typically be soaked in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the excess starch to be released, resulting in a crispier texture when fried.

It’s also important to make sure that all the potatoes are completely submerged in the water; this ensures that they cook evenly.

After soaking, it’s important to pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel before frying. This helps the fries to become even crispier.

Why Are They Called Pomme Frites?

The French term for french fries is “pomme frites”. This word literally translates to “apple fries”, although this does not refer to the type of potato used.

Instead, it’s believed that the name comes from a popular joke in France about an apple being substituted for a potato when making frites.

Regardless of the origin of the name, it’s clear that french fries have become an integral part of French culture and cuisine.

From being served as a side dish to accompanying burgers and hot dogs, fries are enjoyed all over the world—and they show no signs of slowing down anytime soon!

What Is the Difference Between Fries and French Fries?

The main difference between fries and french fries is their origin. Fries originated in Belgium while french fries originated in France.

Additionally, french fries tend to be thinner and lighter due to their lower fat content; this gives them a crunchier texture when cooked properly.

On the other hand, frites are usually thicker and heavier due to their higher fat content; this gives them a more substantial and chewy texture.

Both dishes are typically prepared by deep frying, though they can also be baked if desired. Regardless of how they’re cooked, both fries and frites should have a golden brown hue when done properly.

What Type of Meat Is Steak Frites?

Steak frites is a classic French dish composed of steak and fries. The steak typically used for this dish is usually tenderloin or ribeye, though other cuts such as sirloin or filet mignon can also be used.

The fries served with the steak are usually thick-cut frites prepared in the traditional French style.

This dish is usually served with a sauce such as a béarnaise or shallot-wine butter and is often accompanied by vegetables like mushrooms or sautéed spinach.

Where Do Pomme Frites Come From?

Pomme frites originated in Belgium, where they were traditionally made from potatoes cut into long strips and then fried.

The name of the dish is derived from the French phrase “Pommes de Terre frites”, which translates to “fried potatoes”.

The popularity of pomme frites spread throughout Europe and eventually to the United States, where they became known as “french fries”.

Today, pomme frites are enjoyed all over the world in a variety of different styles and flavors.

What Is the Green Stuff on French Fries?

The green stuff on french fries is usually herbs, such as rosemary or parsley. It can also be used to add a hint of color and flavor to the dish.

Other popular toppings for french fries include cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, and chili flakes.

No matter what you choose to top your fries with, they are sure to be a hit! French fries are a classic comfort food

that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you like them smothered with cheese or served plain, there’s no denying that french fries will always be popular. So go ahead and dig in—you won’t regret it!

Should You Soak French Fries in Water Before Frying?

Soaking french fries in cold water before frying can help to remove some of the excess starch and improve their texture. This simple step also helps the fries to cook faster and more evenly, ensuring that they’re crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

When soaking potatoes for french fries, it’s important to submerge them in cold water for at least 30 minutes.

After soaking, the potatoes should be thoroughly dried before they’re fried to ensure that they don’t absorb too much oil during cooking.

Soaking french fries in water is an easy way to take your fries up a notch, resulting in a tastier and more enjoyable snack!

Can You Soak Fries Too Long?

Yes, you can soak fries too long and this can lead to a number of undesirable results. If the potatoes are left in water for too long, they will absorb more moisture than necessary and become mushy during the cooking process.

Additionally, soaking potatoes for longer than 30 minutes may cause them to lose some of their flavors as well.

For this reason, it’s important to keep an eye on the potatoes during the soaking process and remove them from the water as soon as they’ve reached the desired level of hydration. This will ensure that your fries are cooked to perfection every time!

Conclusion:

Overall, french fries and frites are two delicious dishes that can be enjoyed anytime.

In summary, fries and frites have some key differences in terms of origin, taste & texture as well as appearance – however, both remain incredibly popular side dishes around the world!

Whether you prefer your potatoes long and thin or short and thick (or somewhere in between!), you can’t go wrong with either one!

So next time you order some potatoes with your meal – just remember which type you prefer so that you get exactly what you want!

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About the author

Natalie is a food enthusiast who spends all of her time trying out new recipes, testing out new appliances, and making her kitchen as awesome as possible. She is a professional writer and blogs here about her love of food & kitchen.

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