fritas

Fritas is the feminine plural form of frita, the Spanish adjective meaning fried. In culinary use, fritas describes foods that have been fried and is commonly encountered on menus or in recipes. The term is most often associated with patatas fritas, i.e., French fries, but its meaning can vary by region and context, referring to different fried items when the feminine noun is implied.

Common usage and examples vary regionally. In many Spanish-speaking countries, fritas may stand in for patatas fritas on menus or in casual speech. It can also appear in phrases such as plátanos fritos (fried plantains) or huevos fritos (fried eggs), depending on the dish being described.

Preparation and serving: Fritas are typically prepared by submerging food in hot oil or fat until the exterior is crisp and the interior is cooked. Temperature and frying time depend on the item. After frying, they are drained and salted, with regional seasonings and dipping sauces (such as ketchup, alioli, or mojo) varying widely.

Regional notes: The term is widespread across the Spanish-speaking world, but its exact meaning depends on local usage. In Spain, patatas fritas is standard for French fries; elsewhere, fritas may refer to a broader set of fried foods described in context.

See also: French fries; fried plantains; fried eggs.