I am a loyal, long standing member of the Carb Fan Club. I’ve never bought into the belief that carbs are bad, even though we’re constantly being told that carbs make us fat and that they are unhealthy. To be quite frank, if loving carbs is wrong then I don’t want to be right. But while I don’t buy into the belief that just looking at a plate of fries will cause you to gain five pounds, I do understand it’s all about finding healthier ways to enjoy them.
I mean, tucking into a loaded plate of greasy fries is never going to banish those love handles. But carbs are not the enemy. It’s what we do with them that matters. And most of the time we tend to slather them in oil in an effort to re-create those crispy french fries that we love so dearly. But we don’t need oil to get our fries nice and crisp. In fact, there are so many fries recipes available taking our favorite spuds and making them delicious and healthy.
I’ve found my favorite 10 fries recipes to share with you, plus a little bonus for those that really aren’t feeling potatoes but still want to enjoy a side of fries.
1. Perfect Oven Baked Fries
Like your fries a little bit crispy on the outside but light and fluffy on the inside? Baking your fries is going to revolutionize your fry game, trust me. And guess how much oil these little guys call for? Zero! Nada! None! They’re oil-free, and delicately seasoned with garlic powder, cracked black pepper and fresh lemon juice to give them that little coating.
Get the recipe here.
2. Sweet Potato Fries (Plus Homemade BBQ Sauce)
There’s beauty in simplicity and this recipe is perfect if you’re looking for a healthy snack or a tasty side. The fries themselves are simple sweet potato fries, but the homemade vegan BBQ sauce is a game changer. Made with a base of sour apple and ripe tomato and seasoned with chilli and cloves it’s packed full of flavor, giving you a lightly spiced, smoky BBQ sauce.
Get the recipe here.
3. Dill Pickle Fries
If you love the taste of pickles then you’ll go wild for these fries. Apple cider vinegar gives these a tangy edge, while the fresh dill, garlic powder and mustard powder offer a flavor combination that’s hard to resist.
Get the recipe here.
4. Chipotle Lime Fries
Why not jazz up your baked fries? I’m really feeling this recipe by vegan blog, hot for food. The crispy baked fries are topped with fresh cilantro and a spicy sriracha aioli . . . I’m in carb heaven.
Get the recipe here.
5. Loaded Mediterranean Street Cart Fries
Nobody wants you to scrimp when it comes to serving up fries, so kick it up an extra notch with these full loaded fries with a Mediterranean vibe. They’re inspired by Greek food and are packed with crisp romaine lettuce, fresh tzatziki sauce and are topped with crispy pitta slices. Add in some marinated tomatoes, chickpeas and herbs and you’ve officially brought a little street food love to your kitchen table.
Get the recipe here.
6. Extra Crispy Garlic + Lime Sweet Potato Fries
If you’re a fan of garlic then you’re about to go crazy for these bad boys. The combination of garlic and lime is enough to make your mouth water, but it also melts into the fries giving them an added boost in flavor. And to top them off there’s a wonderful creamy dipping sauce bursting with even more garlic, dill and fresh herbs.
Get the recipe here.
7. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries with Beet Ketchup
I don’t know about you, but for me, the condiments are just as important as the fries themselves. You can have a plate of fries in front of you but if there’s nothing to dunk them into it’s game over. Well, this recipe will never fail to delight you. Beet ketchup! The sweet potatoes are delicately baked in the oven once a mixture of herbs and spices has coated.
Get the recipe here.
And if you’re not a fan of potatoes . . .
There’s still lots of way to enjoy ‘fries’ without using potatoes. A lot of veggies make superb alternatives, such as carrots and zucchini, but you can even use vegan protein sources such as tempeh to make wonderful fries.
8. Avocado Fries
If you’ve yet to try an avocado fry then you may want to rectify that immediately. They’re so damn good! The combination of the crispy outside coating against the creamy inside is so delicious. What’s more is these are pretty good for us, too, and the coating is made from breadcrumbs. What better way to use up stale bread?
Get the recipe here.
9. Baked Parmesan Carrot Fries with Chili Mayo Dip
If you like cheesy fries, try this healthier option made with carrots and parmesan. They’re coated so they have a nice, crispy cheese outside while they’re soft and sweet on the inside. You could omit an egg for an egg replacer and use a dairy-free cheese to make these vegan friendly.
Get the recipe here.
10. Zucchini Fries
Instead of being cooked in a pan of oil these zucchini fries has a tempura coating to give them their crunch. Zucchini are a great alternative for potatoes as they work really well baked. Zucchini’s are also a wonderful antioxidant-rich food so pair them with a healthy meal and you won’t feel sinful for having your fries and eating them, too.
Get the recipe here.
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