Sweet potato fries

 

Sweet potato fries!

 

Burgers need fries, right?  Well, part of the struggle of eating better, is satisfying your cravings without destroying all your efforts.  Baked fries are a great alternative to their sinfully fried cousins, but they are still mostly empty carbs.  The solution?  Sweet potatoes!  Sweet potatoes and yams are hailed as a super nutrient packed tuber that is so easily grown, that could potentially save the world hunger crisis!  I love the beautiful color and sweetness they give, but have an odd aversion to purely sweet dinner components, so sweet potato fries with salt, pepper, and hot chili powder is my JAM!  And the kicker is that it's so simple to perfect these babies!  They are even better with a nice "burn" to them.

 

Start by peeling your sweet potatoes, about 1 per person if they are fist sized.  Chop pieces about the width of typical crinkle cut fries.  This allows you to get a good char, without overcooking them to the point where they shrivel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toss your fries on a sheet pan lined with foil (for easy cleanup) and sprayed with oil.  Spray the tops of the fries, and sprinkle liberally with salt, pepper, and either a hint of cayenne powder, or hot chili powder.  You can also mix the fries, olive oil, and seasoning in a large bowl before placing in a single layer on the pan.  I don't have a dishwasher, so I take the easier way out!  Roast in the oven at 425* until charred on the bottom.  Give one toss, and roast until tender.  The depth of flavor is incredible! 

 

 

 

 

(sorry about the finished product picture, my husband is a kitchen vulture!)