Do you ever find dinnertime fast approaching, and begin to panic that you need to quickly cook something everyone will like? You throw open all the cabinets, scan the fridge again and again, and even poke through the freezer to check if any frozen veggies are hiding in the bottom. Especially when it’s been a while since I’ve shopped for groceries, this quandary is quite a familiar one.
Then there are those days where I planned ahead and defrosted salmon fillets, or chicken, but didn’t think at all about sides dishes. And of course, there are times where there’s nothing at all prepared, but I know if I can throw together a rocking side dish, then all else will be forgotten.
Whatever your dinner dilemma, this dish will save you. Every single time.
Allow me to introduce the dish that appeals to kids and adults, paleo and non-paleo alike: homestyle fries at their healthiest.
I humbly suggest that these fries make the perfect side dish. They’re perfectly reminiscent of the traditional homestyle french fries, with the wedge-cut and blistered exterior.
Just like the original version, you’ll never meet someone who isn’t a fan; it appeals to adults, kids, and even tiny eaters.
You can even have these going in the kitchen oven while grilling outside, and then eat them alongside a summer bbq.
It’s also very versatile- I’ve used the same recipe for regular orange sweet potatoes or yams, or white sweet potatoes.
The one trick that helps SO much when you want to get a good “crisp” on roasted vegetables is, you need a good baking sheet! If the sides are too high, everything will just steam rather then baking under the heat individually.
My favorite baking sheet is this non-toxic stainless steel pan from All Clad! I know they’re expensive, and it’s the only item of All Clad I own- but once I decided to purchase it, it immediately became a huge part of everyday cooking.
This is what will help you get a crispy, even burn or “blisters” on vegetables before they get soggy and overbaked.
Photographed, the recipe was made with japanese yams (purple on the outside, yellow on the inside). Whole Foods almost always carries these, though they can be difficult to find elsewhere 🙂
You can take the flavors in many directions. Here are some suggestions for additions:
- Chili powder (I like trader joe’s brand)
- Mixed herbs (mixture of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Rosemary
- Curry powder or turmeric
- Of course, can serve up with dips like ketchup, mustard, guacamole, pesto, or just a squirt of lemon
Serve alongside meat, chicken, fish, salad, or just as a finger-licking snack.
Look at those blisters!
These are soft and chewy on the inside, while also keeping a crunch on the skin.
The insides are so soft that you can feed them to your baby. In fact, it’s really a perfect baby-led weaning idea. The child can easily hold a fry and nibble at the top.
