What Are Frites? And Why You’ll CRAVE Them After This

What are Frites?

If you love eating out, you may have come across the word frites on menus. But what are frites? They are French fries. Many English-speaking countries have frites on menus to suggest that the cooks prepare the fries in the French or Belgian style.

Many people use the term to make them sound sophisticated. Are you wondering how to say frites? Frites pronunciation is “freet,” with a long E sound and no final S.

The Different Types of Frites You Can Make

You’ve probably tried different frites if you like a traditional French fry or chili cheese fries. What if we told you there are even more ways to enjoy them? You can create frites by cutting potato wedges or sticks into wedges or sticks and then deep-fried, air-fried, or baked.

Discussed below are different types of fries that you should try:

Steak Frites

What are steak frites? The thick-cut steak fries are obtainable. They are typically much larger than traditional potatoes; you can serve them with skirt steak.

Traditional steak frites come in various flavors, as the cut of meat varies by region! Some recipes call for rump steak, while others call for flank steak, ribeye, or porterhouse. Others call for juicy, well-marbled ribeye.

Pommes Frites

So, what are pommes frites? Pommes Frites are sliced potatoes that you need to deep fry until crispy and golden brown on the outside. The inside part needs to remain soft and warm on the inside. They are a staple of many different regions.

They are common in the US when served with hot dogs or hamburgers. They are “French fries” in other regions, including the United States (US). You can make Pommes Frites with russet or Idaho potatoes, and many modern frying techniques advocate double-frying.

Pomme de Terre is the French term for potato, which means “apple of the earth,” and frites means “fried,” so Pommes Frites means “fried potatoes.” Potatoes are typically washed and peeled, though you can leave the peel on the potatoes for added texture and color.

Moules Frites

What are Moules Frites? Moules-frites is a Belgian dish consisting of mussels and French fries. The dish’s name is French, with moules meaning mussels and frites (fries), and the Dutch name means the same. People regard it as Belgium’s national dish.

Although moules-frites are popular worldwide, many think the dish originated in Belgium. People created it by combining mussels and fried potatoes, popular throughout the country during the winter when no fish or other food was available.

Moules-frites are available in most restaurants in both Belgium and France, depending on the season. In Belgium, between 55,115 and 66,138 pounds (25 and 30 tons) of mussels are consumed yearly as moules-frites. Much of the mussels eaten in Belgium come from mussel farms in the neighboring Dutch province of Zeeland.

Palm Frites

What are palm frites? These are frites that you can make from the tropical coconut palm tree. You toast them without adding other oils due to the natural coconut oil. These naturally sweet frites are high in fiber and low in cholesterol. This healthy snack increases energy and improves brain activity.

Some Serving Suggestions for Frites

Here are some side dishes to think about when deciding what to serve with your frites:

Baked Asparagus

What person does not enjoy asparagus? It’s crunchy, tender, and delicious. So why not combine these fantastic vegetables with your frites? Baked asparagus is one of the best ways to prepare this vegetable. They’re crunchy on the outside and smooth on the inside, as expected. 

This recipe is great for cooking for a large group. The oven does all of the cooking for you, so they are ready quickly.

Hamburgers

Hamburgers are a staple in most households. They’re always comforting, no matter how old you are. They can be the best dinner ever when you serve them with frites. It’s difficult to be wrong when incorporating these two of the greatest foods. So, why not try something different tonight? Hamburgers and frites are a tried-and-true combination.

Turkish Eggs

This is a unique and healthy way to cook eggs that you can use in place of toast. Turkish eggs are a tasty and unique breakfast option. They go well with any sandwich, but especially with frites. It’s a delicious and healthy option for the typical meal. Nothing beats crispy potatoes with something quick and easy to make in the morning.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilling is an excellent method of cooking corn. The husks keep it moist and impart a natural flavor. You’ve been missing out if you haven’t tried grilled corn yet. Grilling enhances the taste of this vegetable significantly.

It prevents the kernels from drying out, which is always good because no one wants a dry ear of corn. And, because you can serve it with frites, it is also an excellent accompaniment to a burger. There’s nothing like a juicy burger and crispy fries on a summer night. You’ll be grateful that you tried grilled corn because it goes great with potatoes, particularly frites.

Mac and Cheese

This creamy side dish is fantastic because you can make it more cheesy as you want. How about mac and cheese if it’s too late to make hamburgers for your side dish? It complements a wide range of American dishes and can spice it to your taste. You’ll have a sumptuous dinner on your hands without straying too far from your usual fare.

Grilled Veggies and Pesto

Who doesn’t enjoy grilled vegetables? They’re juicy, healthy, and flavorful, and you can make them with any vegetable. But why not kick things up with some homemade pesto on top? This is the easiest way to grill your favorite vegetables.

Grilled vegetables are delicious with frites, but this recipe includes homemade pesto. This will be one of your most frequently requested recipes. Read our article and find out 6 Of The Best Store-Bought Pesto.

Breaded Deep-Fried Mozzarella Sticks

Everybody enjoys mozzarella sticks. If you can find them, they are even better when made from scratch with fresh cheese. But why not spice things up a little by tossing in some frites? You can still get your mozzarella sticks. But they’re even better if they’re deep-fried in addition to breaded and cheesy.

This is a great recipe for a side dish when unsure what to make. The two flavors complement each other perfectly, and you’ll find it difficult to go back to traditional mozzarella sticks after trying this.

Martha Stewart’s Frites Recipe

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Lettuce spinner
3. Slotted spoon
4. Bowl

Nutritional Facts/Info Per Serving

1. Saturated Fat: 0.003pounds (1.5grams)-7 percent daily values
2. Calcium: 2.20 pounds (10milligrams)-0 percent daily value
3. Calories: 125
4. Total Fat: 0.02 pounds(11grams)-14 percent daily values

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (907 grams) russet potatoes (about eight medium) sliced lengthwise, peeled, and cut into 1/4-to-3/8-inch (0.6-to-0.9-centimeters)-wide sticks
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) of peanut oil (for deep frying)
• Salt

Instructions

First Step

Put the potatoes in a large bowl of cold water to soak. Repeatedly change the water to remove the potato starch until the water is clear. (You can prepare the potatoes up to this point ahead of time and store them at room temperature in a bowl covered with cold water.) Before cooking, drain them. Dry the potatoes thoroughly with a lettuce spinner and a clean bath towel.

Second Step

Line two baking sheets with paper towels. In a large pot, heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 degrees Celsius). Fry potatoes in small lots, occasionally turning, until completely cooked. Using a slotted spoon, move to the prepared sheets in a single layer. 

Third Step

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius). Line another baking sheet with paper towels. Reheat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 degrees Celsius). Fry potatoes in small batches until crispy and golden brown, turning frequently.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked potatoes to the prepared baking sheet. Keep them warm in the oven while cooking the remaining ones. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of salt.

Key Takeaways

There is no single type of frites that is ideal for everyone! But we’re confident that whatever type of potato you prefer will taste delicious when fried in oil or deep-fried—and that’s all that matters! 

You should know what kind of frites to make for your family by now. You are also aware of the appropriate serving suggestion. Why not wow your family and friends with your exceptional Frites skills?