I had to think about this one, but possible translation of the apparent non sequitur: "Deep-frying foods in vegetable oil seems like something that belongs in affluent cultures full of unhealthy, processed foods, but actually, we got it from some very poor people."

Agree that the actual historical misconception is staggering.

(Also, pretty sure it's bigger in Great Britain than America right now, but possibly this person has never set foot outside...the American South?)