Sweet potatoes have been my comfort food since the days when binge-watching meant renting DVDs. There’s something magical about transforming these humble tubers into crispy, garlicky perfection. Imagine the crunch, the savory parmesan melting on your tongue—it’s like a symphony of flavors that makes you forget all about those soggy fries from the local diner.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Slice the sweet potatoes into thin 1/4-inch matchsticks or your preferred size, ensuring even thickness for uniform cooking.
- In a large bowl, coat the sweet potato pieces with vegetable oil, sea salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until they are evenly covered.
- Arrange the coated sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; use two sheets if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Bake the fries for 15-20 minutes, turning them once or twice, until they are crispy and the edges are slightly browned.
- Once removed from the oven, quickly sprinkle the hot fries with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, tossing them lightly to mix.
- Serve the fries warm with your choice of dipping sauce. Enjoy this healthier alternative to traditional fries!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes (approximately 2 medium-sized), peeled if desired
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or another high-heat oil)
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
- (optional) 1/4 cup finely-chopped fresh parsley
FAQ
- Can I leave the skin on the sweet potatoes when making these fries?
- Yes, you can choose to peel the sweet potatoes or leave the skin on, depending on your preference. Leaving the skin on can add extra texture and nutrients.
- What size should I cut the sweet potatoes for even cooking?
- It is recommended to cut the sweet potatoes into matchsticks about 1/4-inch thick. This size helps achieve a balance between crispy exteriors and soft interiors.
- How can I add more flavor or heat to the fries?
- To add more flavor, you can toss the sweet potatoes with garlic powder and freshly-cracked black pepper. For some heat, sprinkle in a few pinches of cayenne pepper.
- What is the best way to ensure the fries are crispy?
- To ensure crispiness, spread the fries out in a single layer on the baking sheet and turn them once or twice during baking for even cooking.
- What can I serve with these sweet potato fries?
- These fries can be served with ketchup or your preferred dipping sauce. They pair well with vegetarian meals, such as a black bean burger, for a healthier alternative to traditional burgers and fries.
Tips
- Ensure uniformity in the size and thickness of the sweet potato fries, ideally around 1/4-inch thick, to achieve a consistent crispy exterior and tender interior.
- After tossing the fries in oil and seasoning, spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet to promote even cooking and crispiness.
- Flip the fries once or twice during baking to ensure they cook evenly and develop a golden brown color on all sides.
- Toss the fries with freshly grated Parmesan and parsley immediately after baking, while they are still hot, to enhance their flavor with the melting cheese.
Equipment
- Baking sheet – If you don’t have one or need an additional one to accommodate the fries in a single layer.
- Parchment paper – To cover the baking sheet for easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Large bowl – For tossing the sweet potatoes with oil and seasonings.
- Vegetable peeler – If you prefer to peel the sweet potatoes.
- Grater – For grating fresh Parmesan cheese.
