Pommes Frites – Traditional Belgian Fries

Pommes Frites are traditional Belgian fries, so why are fries called French fries if they are really from Belgium? Well the story goes that during WWI US soldiers thought they were in France because everyone was speaking French and so when the Belgian locals served the frites they were considered French fries. To make a proper Belgian French fry you will need a few ingredients, a deep fryer is most helpful. Although I bought one just for this recipe, the first warning it had was do not use animal fat, a beef lard called tallow is what would typically be used. Historically it was horse or ox. You can use vegetable oil, however the frites seem to absorb a little more of the oil than using tallow. Either way, make them and cook them twice as directed. They are delicious!