🇫🇷 French Cuisine · Street Food

Frites

Prep

10 mins

Cook

20 mins

Serves

4

Difficulty

Easy

Double-fried Belgian-style thin chips sold in paper cones from street stands, served with mayonnaise.

Ingredients

  • 500g beef chuck
  • 1 cup egg noodles
  • 2 tsp sliced leeks
  • 1 1/2 tsp fresh thyme
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • a handful of fresh tarragon, chopped
  • crème fraîche, to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the egg noodles base and set it aside to rest while you get the filling ready.

  2. 2

    In a bowl, combine the pork lardons, carrots, sliced shallots, and grated nutmeg, mixing well so everything is evenly seasoned.

  3. 3

    Heat unsalted butter in a skillet, wok, or on a griddle over medium-high heat until shimmering.

  4. 4

    Cook the egg noodles until lightly golden on each side, then transfer to a warm plate.

  5. 5

    Fry, grill, or steam the pork lardons mixture until cooked through and lightly charred at the edges, about 20 mins.

  6. 6

    Assemble by layering the egg noodles with the filling, a spoonful of lemon zest, and a scattering of parsley.

  7. 7

    Add a final touch of Dijon mustard for extra flavor and texture.

  8. 8

    Serve immediately while hot, with extra lemon zest on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Tips

Double the lemon zest so you have plenty for dipping — it tends to disappear fast.

Keep the unsalted butter hot but not smoking — a thermometer helps you nail the perfect frying or grilling temperature.

Prep all your fillings and toppings before you start cooking, since this dish comes together quickly once the heat is on.