Life is full of tough decisions. Choosing a college major, picking out your child’s name, and deciding whether you’re Team Edward or Team Jacob are just a few that come to mind. But one of our biggest and toughest decisions happens when we are at our hungriest. It is that pinnacle moment when you are placing your food order and the server or cashier looks at you and asks, “Would you like fries or onion rings with that?”.
It is at this moment that your mind begins to race as you contemplate what would pair best with the rest of your order. Worry not friends! There is no wrong choice when it comes to these deliciously deep-fried side options. Both French fries and onion rings bring their own something special to the table. Now, while both of these are equally fantastic offerings, they are also quite different in the most delightful ways.
French fries have quite a long, and debatable history dating back to the 1680s. Many believe the fry actually originated in Belgium when a community that depended on fried fish had to pivot to fried potatoes when River Meuse froze over during one extremely cold Winter. So, the verdict is still out on whether or not fries are actually French, but one thing that’s for sure is their popularity seems to be just as strong no matter where you enjoy them. From Europe to the United States of America, the fry has been a staple in homes and restaurants for centuries. Talk about standing the test of time!
Now, we can’t forget about the new kid on the block. Fast forward about one hundred years or so from the alleged arrival of the fry, and get ready to meet the Onion Ring! In 1802 John Mollard’s cookbook “The Art of Cookery Made Easy and Refined.” Showcases a recipe labeled as “Fried Onions with Parmesan Cheese”. This recipe instructed readers to cut their onions into half inch rings, dip them in a flour and parmesan-based batter, and deep fry in lard until golden brown. These days, the recipe has evolved a bit. Breadings and batters can vary, and lard has been mostly replaced with vegetable or peanut oil. But make no mistake about it, just about any version of an onion ring will make your mouth water.
While the beginnings of these fried sides are quite different, in very similar ways they have won the hearts of people all over the world. There is no loser in this great debate, only winners when it comes to French fries and onion rings. Both are great on their own or paired with a sandwich. Load them up with toppings and condiments, or enjoy them with nothing more that a bit of salt.
It is important to do your French fries and onion rings justice and prepare them with equipment that will consistently deliver on quality. The AutoFry uses Simplifry™ technology, a revolutionary heat/time compensation intelligence that will automatically adjust cooking times based on the quantity of product being prepared per fry cycle. This process ensures that, whether you’re preparing two orders or five, your product is cooked to perfection every time.
To learn more about how your business can serve up phenomenal fried food, click below!
