The Indecisive Debate: Ketchup, Mayo, or Something Else with Fries?
Chips and ketchup/mayo/HP sauce. Look at the photo then decide. You have made a good choice!
Personal Sauce Preferences
Mayonnaise:I prefer mayo or on occasion blue cheese or ranch. Vinegar is the bomb… but half to be in the mood and it has to be malt vinegar on very hot fries with tons of salt eaten right away.
‘Fry Sauce’:One responder prefers a personal ‘fry sauce’ made from a combination of several ingredients. It involves Miracle Whip, a tiny dollop of horseradish sauce, seasoning salt, white ground pepper, a clove of freshly grated garlic, and a tiny squirt of liquid smoke or BBQ sauce. Sometimes a bit of grated onion is added. When opting for something completely commercial, Texas Roadhouse Blooming Onion sauce is favored. Miracle Whip mixed with brown gravy powder is also delicious but requires an overnight sitting to lose its gritty texture.
Mayonnaise and French Culture:When young, living in Paris, French fries (pommes frites) were typically served with salt and pepper or mayonnaise. Ketchup was a new concept, and for this respondent, mayonnaise is the best choice, especially in Northern France and Belgium where home-made mayonnaise is freshly prepared. During their six years in Germany, the tradition of enjoying mayo with fries deeply impressed them, influencing their preference even after returning to the USA.
Lesser-Known Sauce Combinations
Chicago/Philly 'fry sauce' is another interesting combination. It is a simple yet flavorful blend of ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, and a splash of brine from a pickle jar. This sauce serves as a delightful alternative to traditional ketchup or mayo and is often sprinkled with malt vinegar for additional flavor.
Conclusion and Advice
Regardless of the sauce preference, each sauce offers a unique flavor and texture to fries. For those who enjoy a traditional viand, ketchup remains a classic and familiar choice. For those who appreciate a bolder flavor, mayonnaise provides a creamy, rich taste that is hard to resist. However, the best choice ultimately depends on the personal taste and cultural preferences.
Do experiment with different sauces, as sometimes the unexpected combinations can yield the most delightful results. So, try out the ‘fry sauce’ mentioned above or any other creative blend to find your new favorite way to enjoy your fries.
Remember, whether it's ketchup, mayo, or something else, the key to a perfect fry experience is perfectly crispy fries and the right sauce to complement them.