As our family journeys along on the real food path, it’s fun to discover things and think about food in a different light. I just started learning about the sweet potato. I didn’t grow up on them, and didn’t ever eat them until recently.
Did you know there is more than one variety of sweet potatoes? I had really no idea and didn’t even think about there being more than one variety. There are actually hundreds of different varieties of sweet potatoes. Hence the different colors. The insides or the flesh can be white to yellow, to orange to red in color. And you can find sweet potato skins in brown, white, yellow, red, and purple. Purple?? Who knew? This is the fantastic thing about discovering new-to-me foods; I never stop learning.
I am sure you have probably heard that sweet potatoes are superior health-wise to the standard potato most people eat. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some potatoes. But it’s nice to know there is a densely-vitamin laden alternative to russet, as sweet potatoes has vitamin A, the B vitamins, C and much more! The more red the sweet potato, the more Beta-carotene which is an antioxidant that helps reduce cancer risk, and protects us from chronic diseases. Go here to read more about the nutrients of the sweet potato at Livestrong. All this makes me feel good about giving my kids baked sweet potato fries as a healthier alternative to those golden arch fries.
The Verdict: I think our whole family is addicted to these fries!
Until a month ago I had never cut a sweet potato. If you have never cut a sweet potato before they can be very tough. The first time I cut the sweet potatoes I was thinking that I was seriously starting to lose strength in my hand. Not good for a piano teacher! Now I know sweet potatoes are just plain hard to cut, but they are so worth it!! I do have to admit that I recruit my husband to cut them now.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries, G-F, V
Ingredients
- 2 large organic sweet potatoes scrubbed (I leave the skin on, but you don't have to)
- 2 T grapeseed oil olive oil and coconut oil would work, too
- drizzle of paprika
- drizzle of pepper
- Himalayan Pink Salt to taste
- or instead of dry ingredients use a seasoning salt like a Homemade Red Robin-Inspired Healthified Seasoning
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
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Cut potatoes into fries.
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In a large bowl combine grapeseed oil, paprika, pepper, Himalayan Pink Salt.
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Add cut potatoes to the bowl, and stir to combine.
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Spread out seasoned sweet potatoes in an even layer on a lipped baking sheet.
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Bake for 10 minutes, and stir.
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Bake for another 7 minutes, or until you achieve the desired golden brown.
Of course these fries complement a burger well! We like to eat them with our Vegan Quinoa Black Bean Burgers.
If you want a meatier option, you could try a Turkey Feta Burger.
We also like sweet potato fries….and baked sweet potatoes w/ butter and cinnamon (yum)…..and sweet potato casserole with orange juice, onions, butter and pineapple…..and more. 🙂 So healthy and delicious.
Two years ago, I saved a couple of sweet potatoes in the early spring and let them sprout……we planted them in a big lengthwise cut plastic barrel – and we had so many sweet potatoes – big ones with the best flavor. Last year we planted again and they didn’t do as well, but still worth doing. Also, the vines are beautiful just for looks while the potatoes are growing underground. 🙂 Your article reminded me to get some sweet potatoes sprouting!!! Thank you for posting. Gentle Joy
Hi Gentle Joy. Thank you so much for sharing! I am thinking about sprouting some sweet potatoes, too, and planting them. Blessings!
I am a big fan of sweet potatoes and usually enjoy them baked whole. This is a nice alternative way to prepare them, especially to enjoy with a burger. They look delicious!
Hi Anita. My whole family digs sweet potato fries! Just wish those sweet potatoes wouldn’t be so hard to cut! Thanks for visiting!
I never had sweet potatoes much either growing up. It wasn’t until I started my daughter on them as one of her first foods that I also started eating them. I love them as fries. The sweet of the potatoes coupled with a bit of salt is such a yummy combo.
Yes, I love the great combo! Thanks for visiting!