Fries and Gravy Tasty Recipes
My Favourite Recipe
Simple Fries and Umami Gravy
I have always loved a good plate of French fries, and now as I grow older I appreciate a vast array of flavours that different cooks have discovered. These are some of my favourite recipes.
This recipe is as traditional as my grandmother would have made it. While the ingredients are not the most extravagant, it was the care and attention that made it great.
Ingredients
- French Fries (fresh or frozen)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flower
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Throw the fries in the oven or deep fryer. Cook to desired crispiness then set aside.
- Melt butter over medium-low heat. Sprinkle in the pepper, whisk to combine.
- Slowly add in 1/4 cup of flour, constantly whisking to combine. After a minute or two of whisking the mixture will be thick.
- Combine the broths in a measuring cup and slowly begin to pour into the flour mixture, whisking constantly, until smooth and well blended. Allow to cook several minutes until thickened.
- Pour your desired amount of gravy on top of the french fries or place in a bowl on the side. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Another of My Favourites
Fresh Cut Fries and Vegan Gravy
Ever since I was an adolescent, anything vegetarian or vegan was not something I would pay attention to, but after trying this exceptional gravy recipe, my world changed.
The versatility of this dish breaks barriers in the culinary world. This recipe that utilizes vegan gravy which tastes just like non-vegan gravy is a must-try, and will leave you satisfied.
Ingredients
- 2 lb yellow or russet potatoes (3-4 medium potatoes)
- 1½ tablespoon unflavoured oil
- 2 tablespoon vegan butter or olive oil
- 3 small cremini mushrooms
- 1½ tablespoon miso paste
- 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 tablespoon brown rice flour
- 1½ cups vegetable stock or broth
Instructions
- Slice potatoes into strips 1cm wide.
- Place on baking trays and toss in remaining unflavoured oil. Sprinkle with sea salt to taste.
- Bake in oven for 30 minutes at 400°F/205°C, flipping fries over after 15 minutes.
- While the fries are cooking, add vegan butter/olive oil, mushrooms, miso paste, soy sauce, onion powder, flour and broth to a blender. Blitz on high power for 15 seconds until smooth.
- Transfer to a saucepan and heat until bubbling. Reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes - stirring frequently - until gravy has thickened. Taste and add salt if needed.
- Place fries on a dish, pour over gravy. Enjoy immediately!
The History of Disco Fries: American Diner Culture meets Fries and Gravy
Fries and gravy enthusiasts, read this! Do you ever wonder if the legendary Canadian poutine has a sibling counterpart from our neighbours down south? Well wonder no more, as a recent article written on The Takeout dives into the nostalgic roots of a comfort food favourite: Disco fries. In my opinion, this dish is the doppelganger of the classic poutine as it combines the main three ingredients of crispy fries, rich gravy, and cheese. The big difference is, while poutine uses cheese curds, disco fries use mozzarella or even American cheese! The cheese melts easier than conventional cheese curds, therefore creating an indulgent, melty and savoury experience.
Disco fries became popular during the 1970s disco era in New Jersey, when late-night partygoers needed a pick-me-up after a long night of dancing. Diners, which were open 24/7, became the perfect spot for night owls to recharge. I can totally understand why this dish became a go-to, especially for young adults and partygoers, as I’ve experienced the same temptation after a long night of fun. A bowl of hot gravy, melty cheese, and crispy fries? Yes, please! Sharing poutine with friends is one of my favorite post-party rituals, and I can imagine disco fries providing the same comfort and comradeship.
I believe that moments like these is what makes this dish more than just literal food. It also creates valuable memories and moments that can last as lifetime. The article states, “Niko Hatzigianakis, a long-time Tick Tock diner employee, suspects it was the same crowd of former party-goers and club kids from the '70s, no longer dancing all night but instead returning with their families to seek a nostalgic taste of their youth”. This connection to nostalgia is what makes disco fries so special. Like poutine, it’s more than just food—it’s a shared experience. Whether it’s ending a night out with friends or reminiscing with family, disco fries embody a sense of togetherness, laughter, and memory-making
For a deeper dive into the history of disco fries, check out the full article on The Takeout here.
