That's not really true. Both build a lot of their meals around a boiled starch, a grilled or fried protein and a vegetable dish, often prepared separately. It is not uncommon that this dish is primarily made up of raw vegetables. The starch and protein component almost always makes up the bulk of the meal. Both use a lot of dairy based sauces and/or a sauce made by thickening a meat stock (either pre-made or by de-glazing the pan they fired their protein in). Bread and other baked goods are a common component in many meals in both counties, often served with vegetable or dairy fat.