Authentic Belgian Pommes Frites Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs of russet potatoes
  • 6 cups of peanut oil, for frying
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons of parsley, finely chopped (optional)
  • Mayonnaise or ketchup, for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into sticks of 1/4 inch wide and 2-3 inches long.
  2. Rinse the potato sticks in cold water to remove excess starch. Then, dry them thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel.
  3. Heat the peanut oil in a deep fryer or large, deep saucepan to 325 degrees F. Make sure to monitor the temperature with a cooking thermometer.
  4. In batches, fry the potatoes for about 5 minutes, or until they're soft and a slightly golden color. Remove the potatoes using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  5. After all the potatoes have been fried at 325 degrees F, increase the oil temperature to 375 degrees F.
  6. Fry the potatoes again, in batches, for about 2-3 minutes, or until they're crispy and golden brown. Then, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
  7. Sprinkle the hot fries with sea salt and chopped parsley, if using.
  8. Serve the fries immediately, with mayonnaise or ketchup on the side.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Sweet potato fries instead of russet potatoes
  • Seasoned fries with spices like paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder
  • Using a different type of oil, such as canola oil or vegetable oil
  • Adding grated Parmesan cheese or other desired cheese as a topping
  • Truffle fries by drizzling truffle oil and grated Parmesan cheese over the cooked fries
  • Cajun-style fries by seasoning them with Cajun seasoning
  • Using an air fryer instead of deep frying for a healthier alternative
  • Make them extra crispy by double frying them at a higher temperature
  • Serving the fries with a dipping sauce like aioli, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing

Recipe overview

Indulge yourself with a classic French snack - Pommes Frites. These crispy, golden delights are easy to make and sure to satisfy your craving for something salty and crunchy. Originating from Belgium, these fries are thicker and arguably more flavorful than their American counterpart. In this recipe, we'll guide you step-by-step through the process of making authentic Pommes Frites. You'll start by cutting russet potatoes into sticks, then frying them twice to achieve the perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior. This double-fry technique is key to getting that iconic texture, and while it may seem like extra work, the result is undoubtedly worth the effort. To top it off, you'll season the fresh-out-of-the-oil fries with a sprinkle of sea salt, and optionally, some finely chopped parsley. Serve these fries with a side of mayonnaise or ketchup for a perfect snack, side dish, or party appetizer. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of oil for frying? Yes, you can use vegetable oil or canola oil as alternatives to peanut oil.
  2. Do I have to peel the potatoes? Yes, peeling the potatoes will give you the classic pommes frites texture. However, if you prefer to keep the skin on, make sure to scrub the potatoes thoroughly before cutting them into sticks.
  3. Can I use a different type of potato? Russet potatoes are commonly used for pommes frites because they have a high starch content, which helps achieve a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. However, you can experiment with other varieties such as Yukon Gold or Idaho potatoes.
  4. What can I serve with pommes frites? Pommes frites are traditionally served with mayonnaise or ketchup. However, you can also try dipping them in aioli, spicy sauces, or even cheese sauce for more variety.
  5. Can I make the fries in advance? While pommes frites are best enjoyed fresh, you can partially cook them in advance. After the first round of frying, allow them to cool and then store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, fry them again at a higher temperature until crispy.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Deep fryer - A deep fryer can be very helpful for maintaining a consistent and controlled temperature while frying the potatoes.
  • Large, deep saucepan - If you don't have a deep fryer, a large, deep saucepan can be used to fry the potatoes. Make sure it is large enough to hold the oil and the potatoes without overflowing.
  • Slotted spoon - A slotted spoon is essential for safely removing the fried potatoes from the hot oil.
  • Paper towels - Paper towels are necessary for draining excess oil from the fried potatoes.
  • Cooking thermometer - A cooking thermometer is needed to monitor the temperature of the oil while frying the potatoes.

Origin stories

Pommes frites, more commonly known as French fries, have an intriguing history that is steeped in culinary dispute. Despite their name, French fries may not actually hail from France. One popular theory suggests their origin lies in Belgium, where people were known to fry small fish as a staple part of their diet. During winter months, when the rivers froze over and fish were in short supply, potatoes were cut into long, thin slices and fried as a substitute. When American soldiers arrived in Belgium during World War I and tasted these fried potato delicacies, they reportedly called them 'French fries' because the official language of the Belgian army at that time was French. Irrespective of their disputed heritage, there's no denying that these delicious golden strips have become a beloved part of global cuisine.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.