“Healthier” French Fries, is it an oxymoron?

I am always searching for ways to modify my current cooking habits to make them healthier.  When I find a good recipe or two, rather than recreate the wheel, I share it with you.  Most of my family meals are very simple and require little prep and few ingredients, so I love these recipes.  In all honesty, I have only tried three of them, but they were a hit with my family and very easy to make.  Word to the wise, try not to compare them to french fries because they are not.  Instead, try them and know you are getting a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals along with the good taste.  Sometimes nutrition comes down to thinking outside the box.

5 Vegetables That Make Amazing Fries (Besides Potatoes) By What To Eat

French fries are one of the ultimate comfort foods, and while there’s no denying how satisfying a salty serving of fried potatoes can be, enjoying a serving of fries doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure. It’s easy to make healthy fries at home, and branching out from your usual spuds is a great way to up the nutritional value and slash calories while still enjoying the comfort food favorite. Steer clear of your local drive-through window and bake a big batch of one of these nutritious veggie French fries that everyone will flip for.

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Daikon Fries

Daikon is a versatile, white radish from Asia that is naturally low in calories and a good source of vitamin C. When roasted, you’ll get a light golden fry that pairs well with strong, robust sauces like herbed mayo or mustard. Try Christopher James Clark’s take with his Daikon Fries with Thyme Mustard Dipping Sauce.

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 Carrot Fries

Bored with steamed carrots? Get creative with the colorful veggie by slicing it into wedges, tossing with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and baking them like in this Healthy Baked Carrot Fries recipe from 2 Teaspoons. You’ll get a low-sodium, vitamin A-rich snack that’s perfect with spicy ketchup or ranch dressing.

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Jicama Fries

If you only know jicama as a slaw base and salad topping, you’re in for a treat! This mild and crunchy tuber might not come to mind as a good substitute for potatoes but it works surprisingly well as a super skinny fry. Give this Spicy Spiralized Shoe String Jicama Fries recipe from Inspiralized a try for a fun snack that packs a health punch with potassium, fiber, and vitamins A and C.

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Yucca Fries

Yucca is another root vegetable that works as an excellent potato swap. It’s rich in manganese and vitamin C and keeps for months at a time when stored properly. You won’t miss the spuds when you serve baked yucca fries with a flavorful, unique sauce like  Spoon Fork Bacon’s Baked Yucca Fries with Grilled Banana Ketchup.

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Zucchini Fries

In the warmer months when summer squash like zucchini are plentiful, use up your farmers market haul by baking up a batch of fries to go along with grilled favorites like burgers. This mild veggie is high in vitamin C, riboflavin, and vitamin B6, and pairs well with strong dipping sauces like A Cozy Kitchen serves up in this recipe for Zucchini Fries with Roasted Garlic Aioli and Sriracha Mayo.

4 responses to ““Healthier” French Fries, is it an oxymoron?”

  1. WOW such exotic options. I have never even heard of daikon, and jicama, (though I’ve had it before) has never been one of the actual produce items in my cart. Need to branch out!

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  2. I made the carrot fries and the from scratch ketchup without the brown sugar! It’s actually not that bad! The carrot fries were very yummy, but you need to cook them longer than suggested if you want a crispy texture.

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    1. Good to know Dawn! Love that you omitted the sugar. Carrots are so sweet to begin with they really don’t need the extra sweetness. Be anxious to know how you like the jicama fries. Those are my new favorites.

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  3. I’ve heard zucchini fries are good and I plan on hitting those up this summer.

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