Fries are one of the most common fast foods nowadays, popular all over the world, but each country has its own unique combination. Examples include Belgian mussels with fries, Canadian poutine, British and Irish curry fries, Cuban fritas, and more. There are also side dishes and sauces such as diced onion, mayonnaise, cucumber yogurt sauce, ketchup, mustard, etc. to enrich your fries.
While we may never know who was the first to slice and fry potatoes, and both France and Belgium claim fries to be their ownership, Fries have had an impact on the world. In this article, we'll explore some of the world's most popular combinations of fries.
Patatas bravas are cubes of fried potatoes tossed or drizzled with Brava sauce. Brava sauce is made from a combination of oil, sweet and spicy smoked paprika, and cornstarch. However, there are many variations, such as using ketchup and chili sauce to redden and thicken food. Patatas bravas are usually eaten as an appetizer or side dish.
Mussels with fries can be said to be a Belgian dish with French characteristics. In Belgium, the combination of mussels and fries is as popular as fish and chips in the UK. This is due to the completion of the Willebruck Canal in 1561. Seafood easily flows into the Belgian heartland every day, and mussels are a cheap alternative to the lack of winter fish supplies.
In Belgium and France, as well as many European countries, mayonnaise is more acidic than the ketchup commonly used in other regions. Both countries use double frying techniques in animal fats. The first frying softens and cooks the potatoes, the second creates a crispy outer layer. The mayo is thick, creamy, and rich in fat, and it pairs well with crunchy hot fries.
Although born in Quebec, this Canadian snack can be found almost anywhere in the country. Poutine is fries topped with white cheddar cheese curds and served with warm gravy. Fresh cheese is very important to many people in Quebec. Because of the moisture, the flavor is mild, and the texture is soft, making it great to eat with chips after melting.
This national dish is known to many people. Fish and chips are just battered fish and chips. Many Britons like to eat fish with crispy skin and fries with crispy skin and a soft inside, seasoned with salt and vinegar.
The most popular pairings for this dish are mashed peas, pickled onions, and curry paste. Curry and curry fries are extremely popular in Irish and British cuisine. Irish curry is a milder, sweeter curry, but in Ireland and the UK, many people also use Chinese takeaway curries to accompany chips.
Originating from Lima, Peru, salchipapas are hugely popular street food. Fries are served with thinly sliced food and can be garnished with cheese or fried eggs. Add some sauces like mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, and chili sauce. Salchipapas are now popular in Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and other Latin American neighbors.
These fries are a specialty in parts of Kenya. To make masala, you need tomato paste or a sauce that has spices like coriander, cumin, and paprika. Mix the fries with the sauce and you end up with spicy and tasty fries. It is also coated in dry spices and cornstarch before deep frying.
A Cuban frita is a burger that consists of shredded or shoelace-shaped fries sandwiched in a Cuban bun. Because of Cuba's proximity to cities in Florida, Miami has become the center of Cuban fried food. Places like El Rey de las Fritas have mastered the recipe and continue to deliver delicious burger and fries combos to customers.
Greek standard gyro includes cucumber yogurt sauce, meat, tomatoes, onions, and fries. This is a street food that is loved by locals and tourists alike. The Greek word gyro is used to describe the circular motion of a rotary grill. Although the history is debated and unclear, gyro likely became popular in the 1920s and then spread outside of Greece, such as to the United States.
Although the question of who fried potatoes first may never be answered. But we can appreciate the fries and the amazing condiments, toppings, and side dishes that come with them.
