Zesty Sweet Potato and Turnip Fries
Indulge in a healthier twist on classic fries with these Zesty Sweet Potato and Turnip Fries. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of luscious sweet potatoes with the earthy bite of turnips, creating a delightful, crispy treat that will surprise even the pickiest eaters. Enhanced with a sprinkle of chili powder and sea salt, these oven-baked fries are not only delicious but also offer a nutritious alternative to regular fries. They're perfect as a snack or side dish and pair wonderfully with roasted meats like pork tenderloin. Experiment by adding garlic powder for an extra flavor kick!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet Potato
1 large (Peeled and cut into 1/4" strips)
Turnip
1 large (Peeled and cut into 1/4" strips)
Chili Powder
1 teaspoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a cookie sheet with foil, creating a surface for easy cleanup.
2
Peel and cut the sweet potato and turnip into uniform 1/4" strips. This will ensure even cooking.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, chili powder, and salt. Stir well to create a seasoning mixture.
4
Add the cut sweet potato and turnip strips into the bowl with the seasoning mixture. Toss until all the fries are evenly coated.
5
Spread the coated vegetable strips in a single layer on the prepared cookie sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap for maximum crispiness.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. After this time, carefully turn the fries to promote even browning, and continue to bake for another 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
7
Check doneness by piercing with a fork. They should be tender inside and crisp outside.
8
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Sweet Potato and Turnip Fries?
They are a healthier, oven-baked alternative to classic fries featuring sweet potatoes and turnips seasoned with chili powder and sea salt.
What vegetables do I need for this recipe?
You will need one large sweet potato and one large turnip.
How should I cut the vegetables?
The sweet potato and turnip should be peeled and cut into uniform 1/4-inch strips to ensure even cooking.
What is the oven temperature for baking these fries?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How long do the fries need to bake?
The fries bake for a total of 24-30 minutes, turning them halfway through.
What spices are used for the seasoning?
This recipe uses 1 teaspoon of chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients and olive oil.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, these vegetable fries are naturally gluten-free.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
What type of oil is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How can I ensure the fries turn out crispy?
Spread the vegetable strips in a single layer on the cookie sheet without overlapping for maximum crispiness.
Should I peel the sweet potatoes and turnips?
Yes, the instructions specify peeling both the sweet potato and the turnip before cutting.
What is a good side dish pairing for these fries?
They pair wonderfully with roasted meats, specifically pork tenderloin.
Can I add other flavors to this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment by adding garlic powder for an extra flavor kick.
How do I check if the fries are done?
Check for doneness by piercing them with a fork; they should be tender inside and crisp on the outside.
What is the easiest way to clean up after baking?
Line your cookie sheet with foil before placing the fries on it for easy cleanup.
Are turnips a good substitute for potatoes in fries?
Yes, turnips provide an earthy bite that complements the sweetness of the potatoes while offering a lower-calorie alternative.
Do I need to mix the spices before adding the vegetables?
Yes, combine the olive oil, chili powder, and salt in a large bowl and stir well before adding the vegetables.
Can I eat these as a snack?
Absolutely, these are categorized as both a lunch item and a healthy snack.
How do I get even seasoning on all fries?
Toss the vegetable strips in the mixing bowl with the oil and spices until they are evenly coated.
What color should the fries be when finished?
They should be baked until they are golden brown.
Is this recipe suitable for picky eaters?
Yes, the combination of sweet and zesty flavors is designed to surprise and delight even picky eaters.
What is the texture of turnip fries?
When oven-baked, turnip fries become tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Should I let the fries cool before eating?
Yes, let them cool for a few minutes after removing them from the oven before serving.
What kind of salt is best?
While the ingredient list says salt, the description suggests sea salt for a better flavor profile.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 total ingredients: sweet potato, turnip, chili powder, salt, and olive oil.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a zesty kick from the chili powder, but it is generally considered a mild spice.
Can I bake these on a regular baking sheet?
Yes, a cookie sheet or baking sheet works perfectly, especially when lined with foil.
Are these fries deep-fried?
No, these are a healthier oven-baked alternative to traditional deep-fried fries.
What are the primary flavor notes?
The fries feature natural sweetness from the sweet potatoes and an earthy bite from the turnips, enhanced by zesty chili.