RECIPE: Sweet Potato Fries

Since I’m doing the Whole Life Challenge at the advanced level, I’ve pretty much gone without any starches or grains for nearly eight weeks now (except for on those three, count ‘em three, cheat days). The only starch you are allowed to have at the advanced level: Sweet potatoes. I have to admit I’ve never been a huge fan of this particular root vegetable, but when they’re the only starch you can have? Instant fandom! In fact, I’m not quite sure why I was such a sweet potato basher before. They’re actually pretty damn delicious—when you puree them in soup, bake and butter them (yes! You can have butter on the Whole Life Challenge, even at the advanced level!), or cook them up in the oven as fries (or chips).

I do realize fries and chips are so easy to make, you almost don’t need a recipe, but I’ll walk you through the process anyway. It’s mostly about using the right amount of oil (olive is fine but I recommend coconut—the perfect complement to the sweet potato flavor) and seasonings (I like them with nothing but pink Himalayan salt, but I know others like them with garlic powder, pepper, paprika…and you could also make them more dessert-like with a touch of cinnamon—no sugar though!), and baking them at the right temperature for the right amount of time. On that note, especially if you go the chip route, be sure to keep a super close eye on them. I tried to make a batch the other day and nearly burned the house down! Seriously, I’m surprised the fire department didn’t come with all the smoke I created. Eeep. Also note that the fries don’t really crisp up completely—although chips will, especially if you let them sit and cool for a bit. Alright, then. Here you go!

Sweet Potato Fries

(printable recipe)                  

Serves 1

1 Tablespoon cold-pressed/extra virgin coconut oil

1 medium sweet potato (about 6 ounces)

Salt, pepper and/or other seasonings, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Rinse and cut potato into long strips, approximately ¼-inch wide (or slice thin using a mandoline if making chips).

3. Place potatoes flat on a baking sheet (lined with parchment paper if desired).             

4. Melt oil and brush evenly onto potatoes, then season to taste.

5. Bake for 30-40 minutes (or approximately 10-15 minutes for chips), until edges are just starting to brown, turning once halfway through baking time.

6. Let cool for a few minutes and enjoy!

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

273 calories; 14.3 g fat (12.1 g saturated); 61 mg sodium; 808 mg potassium; 35.2 g carbohydrates; 5.6 g fiber; 11 g sugar; 3.4 g protein; Vitamin A 654%; Vitamin C 56%; Calcium 6%; Iron 7%