I’ve been craving bad things. Things I gave up years ago and promised myself I wouldn’t eat again. Things that always leave me full of regret and craving nutrient-rich food. I’m hoping this is a short phase of pregnancy. Because Pizza Hut pan pizzas and massive amounts of ice cream must end. Though moderate amounts of ice cream are welcome. Very welcome. That’s one thing I’ll never give up.
But then there are those times I crave things like Sweet Potato Fries and trick myself into indulging without really indulging. Tricks like these are hard to come by. But oh so necessary.
I’ve been making a rendition of these for awhile now—inspired by a William Sonoma recipe mixed with the flavors of my favorite sweet potato fries from a Chicago restaurant. But up until recently my homemade “fries” have been limp and lack-luster. Un-postable. That is until I came across Cookie and Kate’s tip. Cornstarch. Cornstarch?!! It’s the missing link that helps absorb extra moisture and crispen up the exterior. Can you hear the angels singing?
Cumin, cilantro, parmesan, sea salt, and ketchup. A somewhat unlikely combination. But these days, it’s the only way I’ll take my sweet potato fries. I even prefer it over “real” fries that leave me full (of regret). Side note, these are not a weird pregnancy craving that no one in their right mind would eat. Promise. My husband to attest. He looked at the batch I made last night and asked, “Is this all you made?” He loves them too.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cut sweet potato into quarters, first cutting it in half. Then, placing the flat side on the cutting board, cut down. With each quarter standing up and cut in half again. Place down on the cutting board and cut into fries (pictured below). Place on an unlined baking sheet.
Sprinkle with cornstarch, cumin, and sea salt. Mix together with hands until evenly coated. Arrange fries so that they are in an even layer, not stacked. Drizzle with olive oil.
Bake for 30-50 minutes, carefully flipping fries every 10 minutes.
Once fries begin to brown and crisp, remove from oven.
Garnish with parmesan, cilantro (fresh or dried), and more sea salt, to taste.
Serve warm with a squirt of organic ketchup (optional).
Notes
• Recipe easily doubles or triples. Increase pan size and baking time.
• Skip lining your baking sheet. Parchment paper seems to trap a lot of moisture. They brown very nicely against the hot metal pan.
• Cooking time seems to vary greatly depending on the size and freshness of the potato. Flip every 10 minutes. If cooking over 40 minutes, flip every 5.
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I prefer to eat sweet potato fries with spicy mayo instead of ketchup. You can just mix mayonnaise and Sriracha sauce or your favorite hot sauce. I think you will like it!
Hi! i absolutely adore your website, and i loved this recipe. i tried it, and they turned out delicious, but a little soggy. can you tell me what i am doing wrong? thanks!
Thanks Leila! You probably aren’t doing anything wrong. Sweet potatoes vary in moisture depending on how old they are. The older in age, the less moisture. The more fresh, the high moisture content. You could add more cornstarch but that will sometimes change the flavor of the fry. Or you could try cooking a little longer. If it’s a humid day, you may end up having soggier fries no matter what. The only way to guarantee a super crisp sweet potato fry is to fry it but I can’t bring myself to it 🙂 Hope this helps!
My husband lives for sweet potato fries. We’ve tried them about four million ways. Have you ever tried My New Roots’ recipe for Crispy Cornmeal Sweet Potato fries? Heaven. Sweet, crispy, crunchy heaven.
This post might just change my life! The other members of my family aren’t the biggest sweet potato fans (crazy, I know) but I think these crisp beauties will definitely have them reconsidering.
AMAZING!! I have been searching long and hard for a good sweet potato fry trick since mine always end up a bit soggy. Thanks, just stumbled across your blog, following now 🙂 I blog at themasterchefette.blogspot.com
I can always, ALWAYS, eat so many sweet potato fries. Like a serving for a family of 4. Yours look insane and I love that diagram, Melissa! More diagrams! 🙂
I already had sweet potato fries on the menu for tonight. Now I am going to try the cornstarch and see if I can get crispier fries. It is hit or miss for me, and I wonder if it depends on the age and moisture content of the sweet potatoes. Thanks for the tip! And by the way, congratulations on the little bun in the oven!
I prefer to eat sweet potato fries with spicy mayo instead of ketchup. You can just mix mayonnaise and Sriracha sauce or your favorite hot sauce. I think you will like it!
Useful info and ur set potato s inviting
Hi! i absolutely adore your website, and i loved this recipe. i tried it, and they turned out delicious, but a little soggy. can you tell me what i am doing wrong?
thanks!
Thanks Leila! You probably aren’t doing anything wrong. Sweet potatoes vary in moisture depending on how old they are. The older in age, the less moisture. The more fresh, the high moisture content. You could add more cornstarch but that will sometimes change the flavor of the fry. Or you could try cooking a little longer. If it’s a humid day, you may end up having soggier fries no matter what. The only way to guarantee a super crisp sweet potato fry is to fry it but I can’t bring myself to it 🙂 Hope this helps!
I’ve been trying out different sweet potato fry recipes lately. This one is definitely unique, thanks for the idea! Oh and your pictures are lovely!
http://lifeinthewindycityandbeyond.tumblr.com/post/48776316409/baked-sweet-potato-fries
Man, I love sweet potato fries. Yours look so good, and vibrant! Great tip about not lining the pan—I think you’re right.
My husband lives for sweet potato fries. We’ve tried them about four million ways. Have you ever tried My New Roots’ recipe for Crispy Cornmeal Sweet Potato fries? Heaven. Sweet, crispy, crunchy heaven.
http://mynewroots.org/site/2013/02/crispy-cornmeal-sweet-potato-fries/
Made these last night and loved them. Now having the leftovers cold for lunch and they’re still delicious!
Just made these on Friday night and they are amazing!! I’ve never tried baked fries before and can’t image that I’ll be going back;). Thanks so much!
This post might just change my life! The other members of my family aren’t the biggest sweet potato fans (crazy, I know) but I think these crisp beauties will definitely have them reconsidering.
“I’ve been craving bad things.”
This is the story of my life! Pregnancy is leaving me aching for Jujubees, gas station donuts, and the entire isle of Easter candy. Who am I?!
I’m making these fries for sure. Maybe even tonight. And I am SO in love with your diagram! Big hug to you!
Such a perfect craving! Good for you and baby 🙂
Sweet potato fries are my best friend! And no I am so NOT pregnant!
Every time I try and make these it doesn’t work! And NOW I KNOW WHY!
Thank you 🙂
Corn starch from now on!
I love sweet potato fries and I so want to try the cornstarch trick! I need The Crispy! Nicely done 🙂
AMAZING!! I have been searching long and hard for a good sweet potato fry trick since mine always end up a bit soggy. Thanks, just stumbled across your blog, following now 🙂 I blog at themasterchefette.blogspot.com
I could eat fries every day, all day long. I love this and the graphic for cutting sweet potatoes!
These look so tasty, love the seasonings you added!
These look wonderful! I must give them a try!
out the door to go buy some sweet potatoes . . .
I can always, ALWAYS, eat so many sweet potato fries. Like a serving for a family of 4. Yours look insane and I love that diagram, Melissa! More diagrams! 🙂
I love you so much for that diagram!!
I already had sweet potato fries on the menu for tonight. Now I am going to try the cornstarch and see if I can get crispier fries. It is hit or miss for me, and I wonder if it depends on the age and moisture content of the sweet potatoes. Thanks for the tip! And by the way, congratulations on the little bun in the oven!
I will definitely be making this as a side dish at some point this week! I love sweet potato fries! =)
Oh wow, those sound incredible! I am totally with you on that flavor combo!
So excited!!!! I was JUST talking about this to someone and wondering why I couldn’t get my potatoes to turn out right. Thank you!!!
BTW, do you think the cornstarch trick would work on regular white potatoes? If I get a chance to try it, I will let you know!
Can I tell you how in love with that diagram I am??? And these sweet taters?? Yumm.
Yum! I love sweet potato fries! Great idea with the cornstarch. Which restaurant in Chicago has your favorite sweet potato fries??!! (I live there!)
It’s in the Chicago burbs—Glen Ellyn. The restaurant is called Honey. Give that city a hug for me! We miss it!
I’m not pregnant, but I could eat an entire plate of these fries!
These are beautiful. I love sweet potatoes and will have to try them like this. Also, love the sweet potato diagram. Thanks for sharing!