Cajun-style Oven Fries

Cajun-style Oven Fries Recipe - Vegetarian Delight from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30-35 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Cajun-style Oven Fries are a delicious and flavorful twist on traditional french fries. These fries are seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices that give them a spicy kick and a unique Cajun flavor. They are perfect as a side dish or a snack for any occasion.

History

Cajun cuisine originated in Louisiana and is known for its bold flavors and use of spices. Cajun-style Oven Fries are a modern twist on traditional Cajun dishes, combining the flavors of Cajun seasoning with the classic comfort of french fries.

Ingredients

4 medium potatoes
0.25 tsp oregano
0.25 tsp thyme
1 tsp paprika
0.13 tsp cayenne (or to taste)
0.13 tsp black pepper
0.25 tsp sugar
0.25 tsp cumin
0.5 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp onion powder
0.25 tsp tabasco sauce
1 tbsp vegetable oil

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
In a small bowl, combine oregano, thyme, paprika, cayenne, black pepper, sugar, cumin, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Tabasco sauce, and oil. Mix well until it forms a paste.
Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Pour a small amount of oil onto the foil and spread it evenly with a paper towel.
Peel the potatoes and slice them into french fry shapes.
Place the fries in a plastic bag with the paste and work the paste onto the fries. Alternatively, you can do this in a bowl, but the bag method is easier.
Place the fries on the lined baking sheet, making sure the edges do not touch.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 – 35 minutes (cooking time may vary depending on the size of the fries). Turn the fries once during cooking to brown the underside.

Variations

Add grated Parmesan cheese to the seasoning mix for a cheesy twist.
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a healthier option.
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the fries before serving for a pop of color.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

- Use a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.

- Turn the fries halfway through cooking to ensure they are crispy on all sides.

- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cajun-style Oven Fries as a side dish with grilled chicken or burgers. They also make a great snack on their own with a side of ranch dressing or ketchup for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the fries in the oven ensures that they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Turning the fries halfway through cooking helps to achieve an even golden brown color.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have all the spices on hand, you can use a pre-made Cajun seasoning blend instead. You can also substitute olive oil for vegetable oil if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the seasoning mix and cut the potatoes ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This can save time when you are ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cajun-style Oven Fries in a large bowl or on a platter lined with parchment paper for a casual and inviting presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for an extra pop of flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Cajun-style Oven Fries pair well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, and sandwiches. They also go well with a cold beer or a glass of iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Cajun-style Oven Fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fries on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cajun-style Oven Fries contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cajun-style Oven Fries contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cajun-style Oven Fries contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cajun-style Oven Fries contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cajun-style Oven Fries are a good source of potassium and vitamin C.

Alergens

Cajun-style Oven Fries may contain allergens such as wheat (if using store-bought seasoning) and soy (if using vegetable oil).

Summary

Cajun-style Oven Fries are a flavorful and satisfying side dish that is relatively low in calories and fat. They are a good source of carbohydrates and provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cajun-style Oven Fries are a delicious and flavorful side dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a blend of herbs and spices, these fries are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine with this tasty twist on classic french fries.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Cajun-style Oven Fries. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Marie in her cozy kitchen. Marie was a Cajun woman with a knack for creating delicious dishes that were bursting with flavor. As soon as I walked into her home, I was greeted by the enticing aroma of spices and herbs wafting through the air.

Marie welcomed me with a warm smile and handed me a glass of sweet tea. We chatted about our families, our lives, and of course, our shared love of cooking. As we sat at her kitchen table, she pulled out a worn and tattered recipe card from her collection. It was for her famous Cajun-style Oven Fries.

Marie explained that this recipe had been passed down through generations of her family, originating from her great-grandmother who lived in the bayous of Louisiana. She told me stories of how her ancestors would gather together in the evenings, sharing meals cooked over open flames and seasoned with secret blends of spices.

As Marie began to prepare the dish, she walked me through each step with patience and precision. She started by slicing the potatoes into thin strips, careful to keep them uniform in size. Then, she drizzled them with olive oil and sprinkled them with a generous amount of Cajun seasoning – a blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and other aromatic spices.

After tossing the potatoes to ensure they were evenly coated, Marie spread them out on a baking sheet and popped them into the oven. The smell that filled her kitchen was intoxicating, a tantalizing mix of spicy and savory that made my mouth water.

As we waited for the fries to cook, Marie shared stories of her childhood spent in the Louisiana bayous, where her family lived off the land and relied on traditional Cajun recipes to sustain them. She spoke of the vibrant culture and rich history that shaped her love for cooking, and how each dish she prepared was a tribute to her heritage.

When the timer chimed, Marie pulled the fries out of the oven, golden brown and crispy. She placed them on a platter and garnished them with fresh parsley, serving them alongside a dollop of homemade remoulade sauce. With a smile, she handed me a fork and urged me to dig in.

The first bite was a revelation – the potatoes were perfectly seasoned, with a spicy kick that left a tingle on my tongue. The texture was just right, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. I couldn’t believe that such a simple dish could pack such a punch of flavor.

As I savored each bite, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. I asked Marie to write it down for me, and she did so with a flourish, adding a few extra tips and tricks she had picked up over the years.

Since that day, I have made Cajun-style Oven Fries countless times, each batch just as delicious as the last. Every time I cook them, I am transported back to Marie’s kitchen, surrounded by the warmth and love that she infused into every dish she made.

This recipe has become more than just a way to satisfy my hunger – it is a connection to my friend, to her family, and to a culinary tradition that spans generations. I am grateful for the day I learned to make Cajun-style Oven Fries, a simple yet extraordinary dish that brings a taste of the bayou into my own home.