Fries are such a treat! I don't know anyone that can resist them so finding a way to make them healthier is a noble goal. I'm getting pretty close here, but I have to confess. It's hard to make baked sweet potato fries crispy without oil.
Did you know that Potatoes are the leading vegetable crop in the United States? Over 50 percent of potato sales are to processors for french fries, chips, dehydrated potatoes, and other potato products. It is also said that the average American consumes around 30 pounds of french fries per year! I'm pretty sure the French fry has made its name as the American childhood staple. I’m delighted to say that this Spiced Baked Sweet Potato Fries recipe does the trick and if you eat them right away, yum.
The secret is, so it goes, in soaking them to get the starch out. For this recipe, you blanch these babies for 2 minutes, then drop them in an ice bath, dry them, toss them in those savory spices, and bake. My recommendation is to cut these fries thinly and make sure they're spaced with room around each fry. I think this recipe works especially well with the almighty russet potato. Feel free to try it with a Yam or sweet potato if you like the sweetness and beta-carotene, giving your skin a natural glow.
Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil if you can't resist (this is not in the recipe) and they may crisp up even more. The creamy chipotle dipping sauce adds a little kick and transforms this fry into a delightful side dish or post workout snack.
Potatoes, when consumed in a healthy way (without using heavy fats like butter, cheese or oil), provide us with some beautiful nourishment like fiber, healthy carbohydrates, contains 5g of protein (per potato), potassium which are replenishing for the muscles (hence, making this a wonderful post workout snack) and vitamins like protective and tissue repairing vitamin c, vitamin nervous system regulating B vitamins and minerals like magnesium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus and iron which helps oxygenate the body, build strong bones, wellbeing, and immune function.
So, if you are craving a light and nutritious accompaniment for your plant-based burger or my favorite Carrot Hot Dog recipe, or as a plant-based snack for energy, comfort, and satisfaction, I highly recommend this Spice Baked Potato Fries recipe!
I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below for this Sweet Potato Fries recipe! If you have a photo, post it on Instagram, tag me using the hashtag #plantbasedcooking in your caption, and I won’t miss it!
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Passive Time | 30 minutes |
Servings | servings |
- 4 sweet potatoes or Russet potatoes peeled and cut into wedges
- 1 Tbl cornstarch
- ½ Tbl paprika
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ cup cashews
- 2 Tbl adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers
- 2 Tbl tomato paste
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- sea salt to taste
Ingredients
Seasoning
Chipotle Dipping Sauce
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- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Start by soaking the cashews in 2/3 cup warm water for 30 minutes or more.
- Boil a large pan of water and prepare another bowl of ice water. Drop the cut potatoes into already boiling water. Wait 2 minute, and then drop into ice water. Leave in the ice water for several minutes, up to 20 for crispier fries.
- Blot and dry and put into a large baggie and lightly dust with the tablespoon of cornstarch.
- Arrange on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Mix seasonings in a small bowl. Salt will be added after they cook.
- Sprinkle seasoning over the potatoes to evenly coat.
- Place the seasoned wedges on a baking sheet (a crisping pan does the best job) making sure there’s space between each one so they will crisp.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping half way through. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
- Salt them when they’re done, but leave them in the oven with the door propped open for about 10 minutes to help them crisp.
- Add cashews to a high-powered blender and blend until smooth. It may take several minutes.
- Add the remainder of the adobo sauce, tomato paste, lemon juice and blend again until smooth, adding more a little water as necessary to thin.
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