Best 10 Belgian Fries Pommes Frites Recipes

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Belgian fries, also known as pommes frites, are a crispy, golden-brown treat that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people all over the world. Originating in Belgium, these delectable delights are renowned for their unique flavor and texture, making them a staple in countless restaurants and homes. Whether you prefer them as a standalone snack or as an accompaniment to a variety of dishes, Belgian fries have earned their place as a culinary icon. In this article, we will delve into the world of Belgian fries, exploring the history, variations, and techniques that make them so irresistible. We will provide you with tips and tricks to achieve the perfect crunch and flavor, using simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. So, get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more of these tantalizing Belgian fries.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

POMMES FRITES - TRADITIONAL BELGIAN FRIES



Pommes Frites - Traditional Belgian Fries image

Provided by International Cuisine

Categories     Side Dish

Number Of Ingredients 4

4 very large potatoes (Peeled and cut into ½ " sticks. Yukon gold works well if you can't find the Belgian potato called bintje.)
4 cups beef Tallow or vegetable oil
*You really should have a deep fryer for this recipe to come out right.
Mayonnaise for dipping

Steps:

  • Make sure after your potatoes are peeled and cut that they are dried.
  • Heat up your oil to 320 degrees
  • Add in your potatoes, when the sound changes to what sounds like a babbling brook, take them out. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Put potatoes in colander to cool for a couple hours. Toss a few times to get air around them.
  • DO NOT EAT THEM YET.
  • Once completely cooled, heat your oil up to 350 degrees
  • Add in the cooled potatoes.
  • Again wait for the sound to change this won't take as long the second time.
  • Drain, sprinkle with some salt and dig in, dip them into your homemade mayonnaise for a real traditional Belgian frites experience!
  • AWESOME!

THE ONE AND ONLY TRULY BELGIAN FRIES



The One and Only Truly Belgian Fries image

There is no fancy skill involved in making these crispy fries, but there is a trick. The potatoes are fried twice. The first time cooks them through and makes them tender. The second time, which can be done hours later just before serving, turns them golden brown and deliciously crisp.

Provided by Ruth Van Waerebeek

Categories     Potato     Side     Fry     Sugar Conscious     Vegan     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Dairy Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Serves 4 to 6

Number Of Ingredients 3

3 to 4 cups vegetable oil for frying
2 pounds Idaho or russet baking potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, rinsed and dried
salt to taste

Steps:

  • Pour enough oil into a deep fryer to reach at least halfway up the sides of the pan but not more than three-quarters of the way up. Heat the oil to 325°F.
  • Cut the potatoes into sticks 1/2 inch wide and 2 1/2 to 3 inches long. Dry all the pieces thoroughly in a clean dish towel. This will keep th oil from splattering. Divide the potato sticks into batches of no more than 1 cup each. Do not fry more than one batch at a time.
  • When the oil has reached the desired temperature, fry the potatoes for 4 to 5 minutes per batch. They should be lightly colored but not browned. If your fryer has a basket, simply lift it out the remove the fried potatoes. Otherwise, use a long-handled skimmer to lift out the potatoes. Be sure to bring the temperature of the oil back to 325°F in between batches. At this point the fries can rest for several hours at room temperature until you are almost ready to serve them.
  • Heat the oil to 325°F. Fry the potatoes in 1-cup batches until they are nicely browned and crisp, 1 to 2 minutes. Drain on fresh paper towels or brown paper bags and place in a warmed serving bowl lined with more paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and serve. Never cover the potatoes to keep them hot as they will immediately turn soft and limp. If you are inclined to perfectionism, leave some potatoes to fry halfway through the meal so you can serve them crisp and piping hot.

BELGIAN FRIES (POMMES FRITES)



Belgian Fries (Pommes Frites) image

From Ruth Van Waerebeek's "Everybody Eats Well in Belgium Cookbook." There are other good frites recipes on Recipezaar; I'm including Ruth's for the sake of personal closure -- I can't NOT include her frites in my collection of her traditional Belgian recipes. What makes Ruth's unique is her call for older, starchy potatoes. As she says: "Never make fries with new potatoes.... It is imperative to use a starchy older potato for making real Belgian fries.... All your efforts will be in vain as the young potatoes have not had time to develop sufficient starch." She adds: "The size of the fries is a very personal matter. Experiment to find the size you like best." Adjust the frying time according to the thickness you prefer.

Provided by Belgophile

Categories     Potato

Time 54m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 3

3 -4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
2 lbs potatoes, peeled, rinsed, and dried (use Idaho, or russet baking potatoes, or Yukon Gold potatoes)
salt, to taste

Steps:

  • Pour enough oil into a deep fryer to reach at least halfway up the sides of the pan but not more than three-quarters of the way up. Heat oil to 325°F.
  • Cut the potatoes into sticks 1/2 inch wide and 2-1/2 to 3 inches long. Dry all the the pieces thoroughly in a clean dish towel. This will keep the oil from splattering. Divide the potato sticks into batches of no more than 1 cup each. Do not fry more than one batch at a time.
  • When the oil has reached the desired temperature, fry the potatoes for 4 or 5 minutes per batch. They should be lightly colored but not browned. If fryer has a basket, simply lift it out to remove the fried potatoes. Otherwise, use a long-handled skimmer to lift out the potatoes. Be sure to bring the temperature of the oil back to 325°F in between the batches. At this point the frites can rest for several hours at room temperature until you are almost ready to serve them.
  • Just prior to eating, heat the oil to 375°F Fry the potatoes in 1-cup batches until they are nicely browned and crisp, 1 to 2 minutes per batch. Drain on fresh paper towels or brown paper bags and place in a warmed serving bowl lined with more paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and serve. Never cover the potatoes to keep them hot as they will immediately turn soft and limp. If you are inclined to perfectionism, leave some potatoes to fry halfway through the meal so you can serve them crisp and hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1620.1, Fat 163.7, SaturatedFat 21.2, Sodium 13.6, Carbohydrate 39.7, Fiber 5, Sugar 1.8, Protein 4.6

CLASSIC MOULES FRITES



Classic Moules Frites image

Provided by Geoffrey Zakarian

Categories     main-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup finely sliced shallots
5 tablespoons thinly sliced garlic
1 cup white wine
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
2 pounds mussels, cleaned and beards removed
1/2 cup creme fraiche
1/3 cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons minced chives
2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
French fries, for serving

Steps:

  • In a large Dutch oven or straight-sided 12-inch saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the white wine and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper. Add the mussels, cover and steam until open, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the mussels to a large serving bowl.
  • Add the creme fraiche, parsley, butter, chives and mustard to the remaining cooking liquid and bring just to a boil while stirring to combine. Pour the sauce over the mussels. Serve with French fries.

MOULES FRITES



Moules frites image

Gordon's moules frites are a treat and easier than you may think to make. Spoil someone today...

Provided by Gordon Ramsay

Categories     Dinner, Main course, Side dish, Starter, Supper

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 20

1kg fresh mussels , (see try below)
3 large spring onions
1 large shallot , peeled and halved
1 carrot , peeled and halved lengthways
2 fat garlic cloves , peeled
1 fresh red chilli
1 bunch thyme
handful flat-leaf parsley
100ml olive oil
about 150ml dry white wine (ideally Muscadet)
1 tsp Pernod
2 tbsp crème fraîche
2 large potatoes , about 300g each, peeled (preferably Maris Piper, King Edward or Weltje)
about 3 tbsp plain flour
½ tsp cayenne pepper
oil , for deep frying, (ideally light olive oil)
2 egg yolks
½ tsp mustard powder
150ml light olive oil
1 tsp white wine vinegar

Steps:

  • Tip the mussels into a large bowl of cold water. Discard any that remain open when tapped, then drain well and pull away any 'beards'. (Fresh mussels look black and shiny and should only smell pleasantly of the deep sea - the vast majority should be tightly closed. Avoid any that smell 'fishy', look dry or are mostly open.)
  • Thinly slice the vegetables and garlic. Roll the chilli in your hands to loosen the seeds, then slit in half and shake out the seeds. Slice the flesh into thin sticks, then stack together and finely chop. Pick over the thyme sprigs, discarding the thick stalks, and pick the parsley leaves from the stalks. Prepare the chips (see recipe, below right).
  • Place a large, heavy-based sauté pan (with a lid) on the hob and heat until you can feel a strong heat rising. Pour in the oil, then immediately toss in all of the vegetables, chilli and thyme. The thyme sprigs will crackle if the pan is hot enough. Cook for about 1½ mins, shaking the pan and stirring the vegetables until they start to wilt.
  • With the heat still on high, toss in all the mussels and shake the pan so they form an even layer. Cover with a lid and cook for another 1-2 mins, shaking the pan once or twice.
  • Uncover the pan and pour in the wine and Pernod. Shake and cook for another 1½ mins so the wine reduces by half, then cover again and cook for another min. Place a large colander over a bowl and tip the mussels and vegetables into the centre. Discard any mussels that remain closed. Fry the chips.
  • Pour the strained liquid back in the pan, reheat and stir in the crème fraîche and whole parsley leaves. Check the seasoning; you may not need any salt. Return the mussels and vegetables to the pan and reheat, shaking the pan, then divide between two large soup bowls. Serve the chips and mayonnaise (recipe below) alongside.
  • TIP: Make the mayo and prepare the chips before you start the mussels. Fry the chips after you have cooked the mussels and while they are still draining in the colander, then finish the sauce.

BELGIAN FRIES



Belgian fries image

Proper Belgian fries made from scratch. Delicious on their own, or a great side dish for stoofvlees (Flemish beef stew). Serves 4 as a side.

Provided by thechirpychef

Time 3h

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 4

1.75 kilos waxy potatoes
1.5l corn oil (or any other flavourless vegetable oil)
salt
mayonnaise (to serve)

Steps:

  • Peel and rinse the potatoes. Then, it's off to the chopping board! Start by cutting your potatoes lengthwise (make sure your discs are not too thick), then slice the discs into fries of roughly the same thickness. Don't worry if you end up with a few oddballs. Belgian fries are very forgiving. ^^
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and fill another pot with ice water.
  • Once the water comes to a boil, add a teaspoon of salt. Add one big slotted spoon worth of raw fries to the boiling water and blanch them for 5 minutes. Remove with the slotted spoon and dunk into the ice water bath before putting them on a clean dish cloth/kitchen towel. Pat them dry. You want to get rid of any moisture before you start frying. Repeat until your entire batch of raw fries has been blanched. [I should add that not everyone blanches their fries. As potatoes have a high sugar content, they tend to turn dark brown when frying. By blanching them the sugar content is reduced and they'll get a nice golden colour.]
  • OPTIONAL: I tend to go the extra mile and arrange individual fries to air-dry for a few minutes after patting them dry, just to make sure they're nice and dry before I start pre-frying them. We take our fries seriously in Belgium. Can you tell?
  • Frying happens in two stages. You can use a deep-frier for this or a wok. I used a wok. Pre-frying: heat 1 litre of the oil until it reaches 150°C and start frying in small batches (one heaped slotted spoon at a time) for 6 minutes each. If using a wok, make sure you check the oil's temperature after each batch. After pre-frying, put the fries in a bowl with some kitchen roll to draw out the excess oil. Your fries will start to look yellow at this stage but not golden yet. [If making a large batch, you can freeze the fries after this step and save them for another day. They keep in the freezer for 6 months. You can also store them in the fridge until later on (if using the same day). If you're looking to fry the full batch, move on to step 6.]
  • As soon as your fries have been pre-fried, it's time to turn up the heat. Add the remaining 0.5 litre of oil to the hot oil in the wok and heat it up until it reaches at least 180°C. It's best to keep the flame a bit higher throughout the second fry compared to the pre-frying stage. Keep an eye on that temperature, and remember: the more room your fries have, the crispier they'll be in the end!
  • Fry in batches (6 minutes per batch) until nice and golden. When you take them out of the oil, you'll notice straight away whether they're crispy or not.
  • Transfer to a bowl with some kitchen roll and add a pinch of salt.
  • Serve with a good dollop of mayonnaise.

BISTRO POMMES FRITES



Bistro Pommes Frites image

These crispy bistro-style fries get their signature texture and flavor from cooking twice; once fried and once in the oven.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers     Finger Food Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 3

4 large russet potatoes (9 to 10 ounces each)
Coarse salt
4 cups vegetable oil (32 ounces)

Steps:

  • Peel potatoes and cut lengthwise into sticks, about 1/3-inch thick, transferring them to a bowl of salted cold water as you work. Drain, and rinse until water runs clear. Pat dry with paper towels.
  • Heat oil in a 14-inch straight-sided skillet until oil registers 375 degrees Fahrenheit on a deep-fry thermometer. Add half of the potatoes and distribute evenly. Cook, without stirring, until barely golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain. Repeat with remaining potatoes. (Adjust heat between batches as necessary to keep oil at a steady temperature.) Potatoes may be prepared up to this point about 2 hours ahead of time.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove paper towels from baking sheets. Bake potatoes until golden and crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven. Season with salt; toss. Serve immediately.

FLEMISH FRITES - BELGIAN FRIES WITH ANDALOUSE SAUCE



Flemish Frites - Belgian Fries with Andalouse Sauce image

Belgian fries are cooked twice for a soft middle and crisp outside and served with a mayo sauce called 'Andalouse' that can be best described as vaguely similar to Thousand Island dressing. The sauce makes a great chip dip or vegetable dip as well. We go through so much of it, I double it! My husband's family is Belgian, Flemish to be exact. I am told Flemish is equated with quality. This is a snack that is worth the time and effort! Since this is all about quality, be sure to use firm, fresh potatoes. Bring the sauce to room temperature before serving.

Provided by 6kids3cats

Categories     Side Dish     Potato Side Dish Recipes

Time 9h10m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons minced red onion
1 tablespoon minced green bell pepper
1 tablespoon minced red bell pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
¼ teaspoon salt
3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch strips
4 cups olive oil for frying, or as needed
salt to taste

Steps:

  • Stir mayonnaise, tomato paste, red onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, lemon juice, and salt together in a bowl. Cover the Andalouse sauce with plastic wrap and refrigerate 8 hours to overnight.
  • Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
  • Submerge potato strips in a bowl of ice water; rinse potatoes in several changes of cold water until water in the bowl is clear. Drain potatoes and pat dry.
  • Working in batches, fry potatoes in the hot oil until just cooked through but still white, about 5 minutes. Transfer fries to a paper-towel lined plate to drain. Bring oil back to temperature between batches. Cool potatoes to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
  • Increase oil temperature to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Working in batches, fry the potatoes again until deep golden, 5 to 10 minutes more. Transfer fries to a paper-towel lined plate to drain. Season fries with salt and serve with Andalouse sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 579.3 calories, Carbohydrate 43.9 g, Cholesterol 13.9 mg, Fat 44 g, Fiber 3.3 g, Protein 5.5 g, SaturatedFat 6.3 g, Sodium 322.1 mg, Sugar 2.8 g

POMMES FRITES



Pommes Frites image

Classic bistro-style pommes frites (the Belgian version of fries) are served with mayonnaise as a dipping sauce.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers     Finger Food Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 4

8 Idaho potatoes
2 to 3 quarts vegetable oil
1 tablespoon coarse salt
Homemade Mayonnaise

Steps:

  • Peel potatoes if desired; cut into 1/2-inch-thick matchsticks. Place in a bowl of cold water to soak for 10 minutes.
  • Heat oil in a large saucepan (at least 5 quarts) to 325 degrees. Remove potatoes from water; dry very well with paper towels. Add potatoes in batches to oil; blanch for 2 minutes (potatoes will not take on any color). Drain well; transfer to pans lined with paper towels to cool completely.
  • Raise heat of oil to 375 degrees. Heat oven to 250 degrees. Add potatoes to oil in batches; fry until golden, about 3 minutes. Drain well; place on a rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt; keep warm in oven while frying remaining potatoes. Serve immediately.

POMMES FRITES (BELGIAN FRENCH FRIES)



POMMES FRITES (BELGIAN FRENCH FRIES) image

Categories     Potato     Side     Fry

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 2

3 to 4 cups vegetable oil for frying
2 pounds Idaho or russet baking potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, rinsed, and dried

Steps:

  • Pour enough oil into a deep fryer to reach at least halfway up the sides of the pan but not more than three-quarters of the way up. Heat the oil to 325 F. Cut the potatoes into sticks 1/2-inch wide and 2-1/2 to 3 inches long. Dry all the pieces thoroughly in a clean dish towel. This will keep the oil from splattering. Divide the potato sticks into batches of no more than 1 cup each. Do not fry more than one batch at a time. When the oil has reached the desired temperature, fry the potatoes for 4 to 5 minutes per batch. They should be lighly colored but not browned. If your fryer has a basket, simply lift it out to remove the fried potatoes. Otherwise, use a long-handled skimmer to lift out the potatoes. Be sure to bring the temperature of the oil back to 325 F in between batches. At this point the frietjes can rest for several hours at room temperature until you are almost ready to serve them. Heat the oil to 375 F. Fry the potatoes in 1-cup batches until they are nicely browned and crisp, 1 to 2 minutes. Drain on fresh paper towels or brown paper bags and place in a warmed serving bowl lined with more paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and serve. Never cover the potatoes to keep them hot as they will immediately turn soft and limp. If you are inclined to perfectionism, leave some potatoes to fry halfway through the meal so you can serve them crisp and piping hot.

Tips for Making the Best Belgian Fries

  • Use high-quality potatoes: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Maris Piper, which have a high starch content that helps create a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
  • Cut the potatoes into uniform strips: This ensures that they cook evenly. Aim for strips that are about 1/2 inch thick and 3 inches long.
  • Soak the potato strips in cold water: This helps remove excess starch and prevents the fries from sticking together. Soak them for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
  • Dry the potato strips thoroughly: Before frying, pat the potato strips dry with a clean kitchen towel. This helps prevent splattering and ensures that the fries get crispy.
  • Use a good quality oil: For frying, use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil. Avoid using olive oil or butter, as they have a lower smoke point and can burn easily.
  • Fry the potato strips in batches: Don't overcrowd the fryer, as this will prevent the fries from cooking evenly. Fry them in batches, making sure that each batch has enough space to move around freely.
  • Maintain the correct oil temperature: The ideal oil temperature for frying Belgian fries is between 325°F and 350°F. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and adjust it as needed.
  • Cook the fries in two stages: First, fry the potato strips at a lower temperature (around 325°F) for about 5 minutes, or until they are slightly golden brown. Then, increase the oil temperature to 350°F and fry the fries for another 2-3 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
  • Drain the fries on paper towels: After frying, drain the fries on paper towels to remove excess oil. This will help them stay crispy.
  • Season the fries while they are still hot: Sprinkle the fries with salt, pepper, and other seasonings while they are still hot. This will help the seasonings adhere to the fries.

Conclusion

Belgian fries are a delicious and versatile side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of meals. By following the tips above, you can make perfect Belgian fries at home that are crispy, fluffy, and flavorful. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

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