Sweet potatoes are a classic fall vegetable, but are often used in sweet recipes. However, their texture and flavors lend themselves well to almost any dish that potatoes are used for. I love sweet potato fries, but I don't love the excess oil from deep frying. By baking your fries instead, you can get a crisp texture with a controlled amount of fat.
There are many devices available to help to slice the perfect sweet potato fry. Mandolins and slicers can provide perfectly identical fries in a fraction of the time.
Oven-baked Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients:
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
Black pepper to taste
Cooking spray
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
2. Cut the potatoes lengthwise into fries, approximately 1/4-inch thick.
3. Toss with the oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
4. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
5. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet
6. Bake until crisp on the outside, approximately 30 minutes.
7. Season with pepper and additional salt to taste.
Other seasoning options include anything you can dream up - cumin, paprika, taco seasoning, garlic powder and cayenne pepper all are interesting choices. With a simple change in spices you can completely reinvent this dish to go with your main course.
These oven-baked sweet potato fries are terrific with anything from burgers and hot dogs to steak or chicken. Since sweet potatoes are loaded with beta carotene and fiber, you can feel proud serving them to your family. The olive oil is a very healthy unsaturated fat. Your kids will love them too!