… Okay, My Mouth is Watering Already!
One of my all-time favorite foods is sweet potato fries. I absolutely LOVE them! So it’s exciting to see that many restaurants are now offering them on their menus. Unfortunately, with my intolerances to gluten, dairy, soy, and peanuts … and a true allergy to shellfish (which will put me into a full-blown anaphylaxis reaction quicker than you can say “uh-oh”), I seldom find these taste treats to be “safe” when dining out. So … I make them at home, which is probably healthier for me anyway. Though making homemade sweet potato fries seems daunting to some, they are really quite easy and quick … and probably better than what you’ll find deep fried in your local eatery.
My Sweet Potato Fries with Orange Balsamic Glaze are gluten-free, dairy-free, and free of any egg, soy, shellfish oils, or nut oils. They bake up with a crispy exterior and a soft and sweet interior. They’re loaded with tangy, sweet and salty flavors that make you want to hoard the entire batch for yourself. At least that’s my reaction! Just a few simple ingredients, pop them in a hot oven for about 25 minutes, and these babies will become the perfect sweet and savory side dish to your favorite burger, grilled salmon, or pork chops. Be sure to make extra – they are great chopped up and put on a homemade barbecued pizza. Okay, my mouth is watering, so let’s get on to the cooking …
Sweet Potato Fries with Orange Balsamic Glaze
Prep time: about 5 minutes
Baking time: about 25 minutes
Oven temp: 450ºF
Rest time: just long enough for the fries not to burn your mouth!
Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 – 1 teaspoon agave nectar, or to taste
1 Tablespoon Rosemary Olive Oil – plain olive oil if fine too, but the herbs give an extra yum factor
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2 medium to large sweet potatoes or yams
salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
Preheat oven to 450ºF. Line a rimmed baking sheet (jellyroll pan) with foil. Brush or spread with your fingers the 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil over foil.
Heat juice, vinegar, agave nectar, 1 Tablespoon rosemary olive oil, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small sauce pot. Bring to simmer over low heat and reduce liquids to a glazing consistency, one that is still easily pourable. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Peel sweet potatoes. Cut into long strips.
Toss sweet potato fries in a bowl with the glaze.
Spread fries out in a single layer on prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
Bake at 450ºF for about 25 minutes, turning fries half way through baking.
Serve and Enjoy!
Are you a French Frie junkie? Do you prefer Idaho Fries or Sweet Potato Fries?
Safe food is a journey … Thrive!™