Vegetables: Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Achieving that perfect balance of crispy exterior and fluffy interior in sweet potato fries can seem like a culinary dream, but fear not! With this oven-baked technique, you'll be making restaurant-quality fries right in your own kitchen. Unlike their deep-fried counterparts, these fries harness the power of high heat and a little patience to yield a delightful crunch. We'll dive into selecting the right potatoes, prepping them for optimal crispiness, and using simple ingredients to enhance their natural sweetness. Understanding the science behind oven roasting will allow you to manipulate variables like temperature and timing to ensure your fries are golden and crispy every time. Whether you're serving them as a side dish or a snack, these fries are sure to impress. Plus, they're healthier and just as satisfying as their fried brethren. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of transforming humble sweet potatoes into crispy, delectable fries.
Notes
The key to crispy fries lies in removing surface starch and drying them thoroughly before baking. This prevents steaming and encourages browning. If your fries aren't crisping up, ensure your oven temperature is accurate and consider extending the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent burning. Safety tip: Use oven mitts when handling hot baking sheets and trays. For make-ahead, bake the fries until just cooked through, let cool, store in an airtight container, and reheat in a hot oven to restore crispiness.
Steps
- 1 Preheat oven to 450°F.
- 2 Scrub sweet potatoes clean and pat dry with a towel.
- 3 Cut potatoes into even 1/4-inch thick sticks.
- 4 Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
- 5 Drain and dry potatoes thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel.
- 6 Toss potatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- 7 Arrange fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- 8 Bake for 15 minutes, flip the fries, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
- 9 Halfway through cooking, use a spatula to gently shake the pan for even browning.
- 10 Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness, watching closely to avoid burning.
- 11 Transfer fries to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- 12 Season with additional salt or desired spices immediately after baking.
- 13 Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients to explore
Almond Milk
Almond milk is a plant-based milk alternative made from ground almonds and water. Originating from traditional recipes in medieval Europe and the Middle East, it has gained widespread popularity in modern times as a dairy-free option. Almond milk has a subtly nutty flavor with a mild sweetness, and its aroma is reminiscent of fresh almonds. Its texture is smooth and creamy, though typically lighter than dairy milk. In cooking, almond milk behaves well in both savory and sweet applications, though it does not brown or caramelize like dairy milk. It is often used in cereals, smoothies, and baking, where its delicate flavor complements rather than overpowers other ingredients.
Agave Nectar
A golden, velvety sweetener derived from the agave plant, offering a subtly sweet flavor with a smooth, syrup-like texture.
Recipes to try
Roasted Root Vegetable and Barley Stew
Hearty and deeply flavorful, this stew marries caramelized root veggies with chewy barley for a comforting bowlful of warmth.
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Herbed Ricotta
These earthy portobello mushrooms are stuffed with a creamy, herbed ricotta mixture, offering a satisfying vegetarian delight that's both elegant and easy.