Chilli and Herb Sweet Potato Fries

So here I am with another delicious and nutritious recipe post. Since the end of last year I have been obsessed with making sweet potato fries. It took me forever to get this recipe just right, and when I say forever. I literally mean months to figure out how to get that crunchy and crispy outside. There is nothing worse than having soggy sweet potato fries. There has been various failed attempts with trying different recipes, prepping techniques and cooking methods. I finally found the PERFECT way to not only prep but cook my sweet potato fries. Being honest, I call them fries but they are really chunks. This recipe is so easy and literally takes two minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. All to get that real ‘crispy’ outer layer.

And just wait till I tell you the biggest secret of all. Are you ready for the shocker? There is NO OIL needed. No vegetable oil, no coconut oil.. nothing. So for anyone that tells you that you need oil to get that crispy outer layer and the soft inside just show them this post. Now having said that, this doesn’t mean I have anything against using coconut oil, I absolutely love using coconut oil and I use it in both sweet and savoury recipes. You can adapt this recipe like all my other recipes to your own preference and taste. As you know me by now, I absolutely love my spice and chilli kick. Every meal I prep has always got to have a bit of spice.

There are huge benefits when it comes to adding sweet potatoes into your diet. One medium sweet potato will provide you with 4 times the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin C which is great for fighting off flu’s and common colds, as well as vitamin B6 which is linked to reducing the risk of heart disease. They are a great source of vitamin D which us irish are very deprived of, therefore many of us get it from supplements. Because we lack that source of vitamin D from the sun it is very important that our main source of vitamin D is from the foods we eat. Vitamin D helps with restoring energy levels as it has a lower sugar spike compared to a normal white potato and helps with keeping our bones and teeth healthy and strong. Sweet potatoes are a great source of good carbohydrates which won't leave you feeling bloated and tired as they are not full of starch and are great source of fibre with 7g per serving.

Ingredients

One medium sweet potato

2 tbsp Mixed Herbs

2 tbsp Chilli Flakes

1 tbsp Chilli Powder/Paprika

Method

1.Start off by giving your sweet potato a quick rinse and dry the skin with some kitchen paper. You want the skin to be fully dry before cutting.

2.Cut your sweet potato into the shape you desire(leaving the skin on), I find that cutting them into thick chunks work best for that crispy outer layer and it allows them to bake more consistently.

3.Place on a tray lined with parchment paper/ baking paper and cover with the paprika/chilli powder, mixed herbs and finally the chilli flakes. You want to make sure that all sides of the sweet potato fries are covered to get the most out of the flavour of the spices.

4.Place in a preheated oven at 180/190 degrees. After 20 minutes you will need to turn over your sweet potato fries and allow them to bake for another 10-15 minutes.

5.You will know when they are baked perfectly when they turn a golden brown shade and are crispy on the outside and soft in the middle.

6.Serve up and enjoy! I love pairing my sweet potato fries with a nicely cooked steak or even topped with a chilli con carne/bolognese, low fat cheese and jalapenos for a healthy version of taco fries.

Hope ye enjoyed this delicious recipe post perfect for any night in, 

Love Rouxella x