Ah, rutabaga fries. Maybe they sound like an oddball cousin to the traditional potato kind, but trust me, these crispy oven-baked wonders are in a league of their own. I stumbled upon them during a Netflix binge on quirky food shows—who knew veggies could be this addictive?
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- On the prepared sheet, combine the cut rutabaga fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Arrange the seasoned rutabaga fries on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure there is space between each fry to allow for even cooking.
- Bake the fries in the oven for 30-35 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Ingredients
- Rutabaga: peeled and sliced into fry-shaped pieces
- Olive oil: enough to coat the fries
- Paprika: to taste
- Garlic powder: to taste
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 102kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 326mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 490IU | Vitamin C: 24.1mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 0.6mg
FAQ
- Can you prepare rutabaga fries in advance?
- Yes, you can cut the rutabaga fries up to two days ahead. Store them in the fridge submerged in water to prevent browning. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before seasoning and baking.
- How long do cooked rutabaga fries last?
- Once cooked, rutabaga fries can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, use an oven or toaster oven at high heat to restore their crispiness.
- Is it possible to cook rutabaga fries using an air fryer?
- Absolutely, rutabaga fries can be cooked in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for about 15 minutes until they are crispy and tender. You may need to cook in batches to ensure they are in a single layer.
- Can rutabaga fries be frozen?
- Yes, you can freeze rutabaga fries for up to 6 months. It is advisable to blanch them before freezing. When you’re ready to eat, cook them straight from frozen by roasting or boiling.
- What are the health benefits of choosing rutabaga over potatoes?
- Rutabaga is a lower-calorie, lower-carb alternative to potatoes. A cup of boiled rutabaga contains only 51 calories and 12 grams of carbs, compared to potatoes which have 136 calories and 31 grams of carbs for the same serving size. This makes rutabaga a great option for those pursuing a low-carb diet.
Tips
- Consistent Sizing for Even Cooking: Ensure you cut the rutabaga fries to a uniform thickness to allow them to cook evenly. This step helps achieve a consistent texture and prevents some fries from being undercooked while others are overdone.
- Adequate Oil and Seasoning Coverage: Use your hands to thoroughly coat the rutabaga fries with oil and seasonings. This ensures each fry is evenly flavored and helps them become crispy when baked, avoiding any dry patches.
- Avoid Overcrowding on the Baking Sheet: Arrange the fries in a single layer with enough space between them to promote roasting rather than steaming. If necessary, use multiple baking sheets to prevent crowding and achieve a crispier texture.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasoning combinations to suit your taste. Besides the suggested paprika and garlic powder, try adding herbs or spices you enjoy for varied flavor profiles.
Equipment
- Sharp Chef’s Knife – Essential for cutting the rutabaga.
- Vegetable Peeler – For peeling the waxed skin off the rutabaga.
- Large Baking Sheet – To arrange the rutabaga fries in a single layer for baking.
- Parchment Paper – Used to line the baking sheet for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Air Fryer (optional) – If you choose to cook the fries using this method.
