Super Easy Low-Fat Oven Fries
Posted on November 11, 2007
Not the best picture, I’ll admit. But this is one of those “gotta try it” recipes. I love French fries (but I don’t love the damage they do to my weight) and always have. McDonald’s fries were my first, but I have had some awesome ones since them. In fact, I still salivate over delicious waffle fries that I had at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples three or four years ago. The following year, they were no longer making the addictive little buggers though. Darn. If anyone happens to know the recipe though, I am all ears!
For years, I have been trying to make a good fry at home that didn’t involve deep frying. No such luck, though. The combinations I tried (cooking method, temperature, oil, etc) just didn’t do it. But these are it. They came out crispy on the outside, soft on the inside — just the way I like ‘em!
These fries are low in fat, since they are oven baked and use little oil, which means I can still eat them whether I am watching my weight or not. They are also highly customizable, which I love.
About Potatoes:
Potatoes are complex carbohydrates (that’s good) and contain about 100 calories each. It’s best to eat them with the skin on, since that is where all the good nutrients like vitamin C are stored. They are good sources of fiber, potassium and are naturally fat and cholesterol free, so long as you keep the skin on (just be sure to wash well to remove any dirt).
serves 4-6
4 medium potatoes (I suggest Idaho or Yukon Gold)
2 tbsp olive oil
seasonings of choice (see below)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray lightly with cooking spray.
Wash the potatoes well and pat dry. Using a mandolin or cutting by hand, cut the potatoes into long strips, about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch on each side. Put the potatoes in a zipper bag or large bowl and toss with olive oil. Add seasonings and toss again to coat.
Spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet in one layer.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, tossing several times during the cooking process. The fries are done when they are a light brown, cooked through and a bit crispy on the outside.
Serve warm.
Seasoning suggestions:
- The Refined Fry: 1/2 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary and 1/2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan
- Winter Herb Delight: 1/2 tsp garlic salt, 1/4 tsp dried basil and 1/4 tsp dried marjoram
- Hungarian Revenge: 1/4 tsp garlic powder and 1/4 tsp paprika
- Cajun Capers: 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
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Yes, potatoes are not an herb, but they are a vegetable (although I consider them more of a starch. With all the herby possibilities for seasoning these though, they are a great addition for this week’s Weekend Herb Blogging. WHB was created by Kalyn of Kalyn’s Kitchen and is being hosted by The Expatriate Chef from The Expatriate’s Kitchen. Check out the site tomorrow for a roundup of great herb and veggie related posts.
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4 Responses to “Super Easy Low-Fat Oven Fries”
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Your seasoning combinations all sound great! French fries are definitely something I have a weakness for. Now I try to make sweet potato fries when I’m having them at home, but every once in a while I hate to go to Hire Hamburgers and have some fries and fry sauce. If you ever come to Salt Lake, don’t miss their fries.
These oven fries look great!
I love french fries but try not to indulge too often. With these, maybe I can satisfy my cravings more often…
[...] one of many veggies that he just doesn’t like. So the other night, I whipped up a batch of Super Easy Low-Fat Oven Fries and made a batch of Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries for Will and I. Yum! Two kinds of low-fat fries [...]
Help!?!?!? I want to try this with sweet potatoes but they are soooo hard to cut, any ideas?