French fries has got to be the most popular side dish in the world. There is something about that smooth salty, starchy flavor that gets you every time you take a bite out of it. This is true even when you are eating the commercial dehydrated version.
Is there any other way we can enjoy french fries with fewer carbs and oil? You bet there is. You can actually use veggie substitutes as a healthier alternative, whilst enjoying the same unique taste of french fries.
Butternut Squash Fries
This orange-fleshed vegetable/fruit has a sweet and nutty versatile flavor that goes well with many recipes. It is low in calories and rich in nutrients such as Vitamin C and A, as wells as potassium, and magnesium.
Peel and deseed the gourd. Then cut it into fry sized shapes. Add some salt to taste.
Drizzle with some healthy olive oil, then bake. It may not match the starchiness of the potatoes but it definitely will make up for the texture and sweetness of delicious baked fries.
Eggplant Fries
Eggplant has this unique nutty flavor that it lends to dishes either as a base ingredient or as an addition. It is a very good source of vitamins and minerals as well as it is rich in fiber.
Eggplant goes well with Marinara sauce. Cut into fry size and do not peel as the skin is edible and thin enough to complement the soft slightly chewy texture of aubergine. After frying complement with your favorite low-fat dressing or dipping sauce.
Turnip Fries
Enjoy the vitamin and fiber-rich fried turnip taste. This tuber contains phosphorus that helps build strong bones and teeth.
Don’t forget to peel them and slice to fry size. You might also prefer to fry them as is. Avoid breading them to boost their nutritional value.
Add a little salt to taste, and or maybe partner it with Mexican hot sauce for that delicious kick.
Carrot Fries
Carrots on its own are crunchy, tasty, and zesty sweet. A very good source of bet-carotene and a go-to veggie for weight loss programs.
Peel them and cut to fry-sized pieces. It’s a “clean vegan” alternative to be added with a few additional ingredients like salt and pepper. Put a little bit of olive oil as well as other spices.
Make sure to bake and not fry them to produce a dry sweet crisp that is not soggy while you enjoy that fried aroma sensation.
Roasted Parsnip Fries
Parsnip is a veggie closely related to carrots. It is a great source of Vitamin C and K and is also fiber-rich. It is another excellent root vegetable that you can use with olive oil, some salt, and pepper.
Peel and cut into fry-sized pieces. Mix and toss with all the other ingredients. After that, roast or air fry them until they become golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, pair them with any spiced dipping sauce that you like.
Zucchini fries
This veggie is actually a member of the squash family and it can equal if not surpass the nutritional value of squash.
No need to peel them. Just cut and slice them into fry sized pieces. Coat them in beaten egg batter and roll in the parmesan cheese mix.
Bake or air fry them for about 20 minutes then season with salt and spices.
Veggie french fries is the best way to satisfy your fried cravings with better nutritional benefits. Enjoy!