Fries

Chips or fries are known in lots of places and one of Belgium's best-known inventions. It is a huge delicacy and a great symbol of the country and its culture. For many, eating fries is a ritual. For me, it is tradition to eat fries with steak every Wednesday evening. We also often go to the chip shop or prepare fries after a long day out and enjoy our delicious yellow and crispy sticks.

There is no certainty about when and where Chips were invented, but according to several sources, Chips are said to have originated in the late 17th century. Jo Gérard, a Belgian historian and gastronome has the history of Chips in Belgium starting from 1680. At that time, the inhabitants of Namur, Andenne and Dinant were in the habit of fishing in the Meuse and frying the small fish they caught there in oil. However, fishing became risky during periods of frost or dangerous currents. As an alternative, the inhabitants cut potatoes into the shape of small fish, which they then also fried in oil.

Gérard says this story comes from an old family document of his great-great-grandfather Joseph Gérard. However, it was never published and has consequently never been verified or confirmed by others. The content of the story can also be questioned. The Belgians did have the merit of further developing the fries by using the principle of 'frying twice'.

The most commonly used potatoes for fries are 'floury' potatoes that got their name because of their high starch content. The best known of these is the 'bintje'. Chips can be prepared in animal solid fat or better known as ox white, in vegetable solid fat and in vegetable liquid oil. Nowadays, we also have an Airfryer where less fat is needed while preparing fries. Chips are often combined with a tasty sauce such as mayonnaise, ketchup or cocktail. In addition, we have already invented several "fries dishes" such as, for example, fries with stew or "Julientje".