German fries explained

German fries (also referred to as German fried potatoes) is a dish consisting of thinly sliced raw or cooked potatoes fried in fat, like lard, butter or vegetable oils.[1] Bacon and onion slices are common additional ingredients. Salt and pepper are always used for seasoning, while caraway, marjoram, rosemary and garlic are optional. By the 1870s, dishes under these names were listed in American and British cookbooks.[2] In German, they are called Bratkartoffeln (literally fry-potatoes).

In the United States

During World War I in the United States, due to Germany being an enemy of the United States, "German" place names (such as Berlin, Ohio) and the adjective "German" were often expunged from the American language; by 1918, "French fries", shortened to "fries", had won the name game in the United States and Canada".[2] During this time, the dish was sometimes referred to as "American fries", due to U.S. opposition to Germany during this time.[3]

Preparation

Preparation may involve pan-frying or deep-frying the potatoes and the addition of ingredients, such as cooked bacon, onion and green pepper.[4] [5] [6] Some versions may use thinly sliced potatoes.[7] Paprika may be added for flavor.[5] Whether raw or cooked potatoes are to be used, the latter either fresh or stored for some days and used only after ageing, remains a question of discussion, depending on personal taste, as well as regional influences.

German fries may be served with schnitzel,[8] or as an accompaniment to sausages, such as bauernwurst.[5] [7] [9] Some restaurants serve them as a side dish.[10]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Book: Praktisches Kochbuch für die gewöhnliche und feinere Küche . Henriette Davidis . Henriette Davidis . W. Herlet . Berlin . 1845 . 107.
  2. Book: Fast Food and Junk Food. Smith, Andrew F.. 283. 31 October 2014.
  3. Book: The Great Diversity Debate. Koppelman, Kent. 42. 31 October 2014.
  4. Web site: Lucky's Steak House moves up to Bay City, bringing with it great food, prices and value. MLive.com. 31 October 2014.
  5. Web site: NY Food Truck Lunch: Bauernwurst & German Fries From Hallo Berlin . . September 18, 2012 . 30 October 2014.
  6. Web site: Midwestern German Fries with Sausage Gravy . . January 2, 2008 . 30 October 2014.
  7. News: Strictly eat street . . February 10, 2007 . 30 October 2014.
  8. Web site: 'I brought a meat hammer from Germany so I can make schnitzel'. the Guardian. 31 October 2014.
  9. Book: Frommer's New York City from $90 a Day. Silverman, Brian. 163. 31 October 2014.
  10. Book: Texas Monthly. November 1978. 106. 31 October 2014.