Friday, October 30, 2009

Make French Fries Healthier

French fries are traditionally deep fried in a large vat of oil, making for one high caloric side dish. You can enjoy a much healthier version of this American favorite at home by incorporating a few tricks that use a fraction of the fat and produce 100 percent of the flavor.


Instructions


1. Leave the skins on for an added boost of fiber and nutrients. Scrub potatoes clean with a vegetable brush and thinly slice.


2. Coat raw fries in seasoned egg whites and roast in an extremely hot oven (about 425 degrees F). The egg whites help give the fries a crispier texture. Use garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt or pepper (or combine them all) to season the egg whites.


3. Soak sliced and peeled potatoes in ice water for half an hour and pat dry with a paper towel. Place them in a plastic zipper bag with some salt, spray for a few seconds with canola oil. Seal and shake the bag to coat. Spread fries in a single layer on a cookie sheet and bake in a an oven set for at least 400 degrees F for 20 minutes.


4. Use sweet potatoes for a healthy dose of vitamin A and beta carotene. Peel the sweet potatoes, slice, dip in beaten egg whites and season. Spread in a single layer on a cookie sheet and bake.


5. Add "post-bake" toppings to hot fries. Experiment with grated cheese, popcorn seasonings and fresh herbs for delicious, low calorie flavor.







Tags: cookie sheet, cookie sheet bake, layer cookie, layer cookie sheet, sheet bake, single layer, single layer cookie