In this week’s evolving theme of comfort foods done healthy, I decided to talk about french fries. You know, another comfort food that calls to us every time we eat out. “Would you like fries with that?” Salty, crunchy, carb-y. I mean, duh. YES, I would like fries with that.
In many-a-post, I have espoused my greater love for all things potato, including my admission that I had a mashed potato bar at my wedding reception. Yeah, I love spuds that much. And french fries are no exception to that devotion.
But, as with so many things, I am finding in my old(er) age that I have to rethink how I get my fix of the comfort foods I crave. And french fries are included in that “don’t overdo it” list”.
And so I have switched to baked fries (which is a misnomer, since they’re not actually fried), using olive oil instead of fattier oils, as well as playing with how to get that flaky yet crunchy texture while not relying solely on the regular spuds of old. Enter the sweet potato.
Hence this fabulous recipe for Baked Sweet Potato Fries. High in many vitamins and things that are good for you (Vitamins A, C, & B6, potassium, as well as dietary fibers and proteins), it’s hard to argue that they are pretty darned healthy compared to their starchy white brethren. And did I mention that portions are easier to control–at least I think they are. One medium sweet potato is enough for two side servings of baked “fries”. Perfect for the household that has only two people. That would be mine, in case you didn’t catch that.
Healthy, crunchy, and just what this in-need-of-healthy-options home cook needs for a busy night. Pass the ketchup.
| Servings | Prep Time |
| 2 people | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time |
| 20 minutes |
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I love it when I can trick my brain into thinking that I'm indulging in a bad-for-me-food by making something healthy like these Baked Sweet Potato Fries. The kick of smoked paprika really lends a warmth to the sweetness of the vegetable, and leaving the skin on means getting even more nutrients in with each delicious bite. Yes, I think I would like fries with that (and that, and that...)!
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- 1 large sweet potato, washed and dried
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Wash and dry the potato, leaving the skin intact. Slice the potato into wedges, similar to steak fries. Toss with olive oil.
- Mix together the garlic powder, chili powder, and smoked paprika.
- Toss olive oil-coated sweet potato wedges with spice blend. Be sure to mix to get an even amount of spices on each wedge.
- Place potato wedges in a single layer on a foil-covered baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork, and are crispy on the outside.
- Serve as a side to your favorite main course, or as a healthy snack.
The key to really punching up the flavor of these sweet potatoes is the smoked paprika. Think it's no different than regular paprika? Think again. Regular paprika is great for many dishes, spice rubs, and other recipes. But smoked paprika adds a unique, well, smoky flavor that really marries well with the natural sugars in the potatoes.
Need to get yourself some smoked paprika? No worries! We've got you covered. Buy it here from the Great American Spice Company. Bonus: They'll even deliver it right to your door. Perfect for spicing up these Baked Sweet Potato Fries, or any other roasted root veggie you have on hand!
I love a good sweet potato fry recipe. These sound scrumptious!
I actually prefer sweet potato fries to normal fries if they’re made right! They have such a rich, delicious flavor!
I’m with ya’, Sabrina!! And it was so great meeting you this weekend–food bloggers unite! :o)
Love sweet potatoes! Totally right up my alley, great recipe!
YUM!!! We make sweet potato fries or regular fries a couple of times a week. Sweet potato fries could be a meal for me. LOVE!
Yup, we never, ever have leftovers. The only thing we have is a craving for more!
I think I could live on fries alone, they are my #1 food weakness, but baked sweet potatoes are a great substitution