Zesty Lemon-Basil Sweet Potato Fries
These Zesty Lemon-Basil Sweet Potato Fries are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Inspired by a recipe found on a package of pre-cut yam fries, these fries marry the fresh zest of lemon with aromatic basil to create a flavor explosion in your mouth. Perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, they are an ideal snack or side dish. We've fine-tuned the cooking process to achieve the perfect crispiness, so every bite is a delicious reminder of warmer days. This recipe is a refreshing alternative to regular fries, offering both a healthful option and a complex, vibrant flavor profile.
4
Servings
171 kcal
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
yams
1 1/2 lbs (cut into fries)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (plus possibly more to taste)
fresh garlic cloves
2 (minced or grated)
red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon (finely grated)
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the oven rack in the center.
2
In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and the minced garlic until evenly coated.
3
Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4
Roast the fries in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
5
As the fries cook, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried basil, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl.
6
After 20 minutes of roasting, remove the fries from the oven and drizzle with the olive oil and lemon mixture. Gently toss or flip the fries to ensure even coating and help them crisp up.
7
Return the fries to the oven and roast for an additional 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
8
For extra crispiness, switch the oven to broiler mode for the last few minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
9
Taste and sprinkle with additional salt if desired before serving.
Nutrition Information
7 g
Fat
28 g
Carbs
2 g
Protein
4 g
Fiber
213 mg
Sodium
0 mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Lemon-Basil Sweet Potato Fries?
They are a flavorful alternative to traditional fries, featuring sweet potatoes tossed in olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and dried basil for a refreshing and vibrant taste.
Are these sweet potato fries vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it uses olive oil and plant-based seasonings.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 171 calories.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) with the rack positioned in the center.
How long do the fries need to roast in total?
The fries roast for a total of 40 minutes: 20 minutes initially, then another 20 minutes after adding the lemon-basil mixture.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried basil?
While the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried basil, you can use fresh basil, but you may want to add it at the end to preserve its color and delicate flavor.
What type of potato is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 lbs of yams or sweet potatoes, cut into fry shapes.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil in total, divided between the initial coating and the lemon-basil dressing.
How do I make the fries extra crispy?
To achieve maximum crispiness, you can switch the oven to broiler mode for the last few minutes of cooking, but watch them closely to avoid burning.
Is there any spicy heat in this recipe?
The recipe includes an optional 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you want a bit of a kick.
How much sodium is in one serving?
There are 213 mg of sodium per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 7 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in these fries?
One serving contains 28 grams of carbohydrates.
Do these fries contain cholesterol?
No, this recipe contains 0 mg of cholesterol.
How much fiber is in this dish?
There are 4 grams of fiber per serving.
How is the garlic prepared for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 fresh garlic cloves that should be minced or grated.
When should I add the lemon zest and juice?
The lemon zest and juice are whisked with oil and basil and drizzled over the fries after they have already roasted for 20 minutes.
What ingredients are used for the seasoning?
The seasoning includes salt, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, and dried basil.
Can I use pre-cut fries for this recipe?
Yes, the description mentions this recipe was inspired by pre-cut yam fries, which can save prep time.
Is this recipe considered a side dish or a snack?
It is versatile and can be served as either a healthful snack or a flavorful side dish.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 2 grams of protein per serving.
What is the best way to arrange fries on the baking sheet?
Spread them in a single layer to ensure they roast evenly and become crispy.
How much lemon zest is needed?
You will need 1/2 teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest.
How much lemon juice is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the preparation for the yams?
The yams should be cut into fries before starting the recipe.
Should I toss the fries during cooking?
Yes, you should gently toss or flip them when you add the lemon-basil mixture halfway through roasting.
Can I add more salt after cooking?
Yes, it is recommended to taste the fries and sprinkle with additional salt if desired before serving.
Are these fries considered a healthy option?
Yes, they are described as a healthful alternative to regular fries, featuring nutrient-dense sweet potatoes and heart-healthy olive oil.
What is the texture of these fries?
They are designed to be perfectly crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.