For any northeast path $ν$, we define two bivariate polynomials associated with the $ν$-associahedron: the $F$- and the $H$-triangle. We prove combinatorially that we can obtain one from the other by an invertible transformation of variables. These polynomials generalize the classical $F$- and $H$-triangles of F.~Chapoton in type $A$. Our proof is completely new and has the advantage of providing a combinatorial explanation of the relation between the $F$- and $H$-triangle.