Low-calorie french fries

Low-Calorie French Fries Recipe from France with Paprika and Celery Salt

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 0:25 | Cooking time: 20 | Servings: 2

Introduction

French fries are a beloved side dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. However, traditional french fries are often deep-fried and high in calories and unhealthy fats. This low-calorie french fries recipe provides a healthier alternative that is just as delicious.

History

French fries are believed to have originated in Belgium in the late 17th century. They quickly gained popularity and spread to other countries, becoming a staple in fast food restaurants around the world. This low-calorie version of french fries offers a healthier twist on the classic recipe.

Ingredients

2 medium potatoes, * see note
3 units of vegetable cooking spray
paprika, optional
salt
pepper
celery salt, optional

How to prepare

Recipe by: Jo Anne Merrill
Preparation time: 0:25
* Use 2 unpeeled and scrubbed baking-sized potatoes.
Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise.
Slice each half into lengthwise wedges, leaving some peel on each piece.
Soak the potatoes in cold water for 20 minutes.
Drain and dry the potatoes.
Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray.
Place the potatoes into a plastic bag or a large plastic bowl with a tight-fitting lid.
Add oil and shake to coat the potatoes.
Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on the cooking sheet.
Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (232°C) for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
To season, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and your choice of paprika or celery salt.
Reduce the amount of salt if using celery salt.
They are also good when sprinkled with chili powder just before the end of the cooking time.

Variations

You can customize this low-calorie french fries recipe to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding different seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper, for a spicy kick. You can also experiment with different types of potatoes, such as sweet potatoes or yams, for a unique twist on this classic dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your low-calorie french fries turn out crispy and delicious, be sure to soak the potatoes in cold water before baking them. This helps to remove excess starch and allows the fries to crisp up in the oven. Additionally, be sure to arrange the potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

These low-calorie french fries are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or condiment. Consider pairing them with ketchup, mustard, or a creamy aioli for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the potatoes in the oven is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it reduces the amount of oil and fats used in the recipe. Be sure to flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure that they cook evenly and become crispy on all sides.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different type of oil, you can use olive oil or avocado oil in place of cooking spray. You can also experiment with different seasonings and spices to create a flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake them. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of arranging the potatoes on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve these low-calorie french fries in a small basket or bowl for a fun and casual presentation. You can also garnish them with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

These low-calorie french fries pair well with a variety of main dishes, such as burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meats. Consider serving them alongside a lean protein and a side of vegetables for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover french fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of these low-calorie french fries contains approximately 100 calories. This makes them a guilt-free side dish that you can enjoy without derailing your diet.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of these low-calorie french fries contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help to fuel your daily activities.

Fats

These low-calorie french fries are made with minimal oil, resulting in a low fat content. Each serving contains approximately 1 gram of fat, making them a healthier alternative to traditional french fries.

Proteins

While these low-calorie french fries are not a significant source of protein, they can be paired with a protein-rich main dish to create a balanced meal. Consider serving them alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete and satisfying meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Potatoes are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins. By baking the potatoes instead of frying them, you can retain more of these essential nutrients.

Alergens

These low-calorie french fries are gluten-free and dairy-free, making them suitable for those with food allergies or sensitivities. However, be sure to check the ingredients of any seasonings you use to ensure they are allergen-free.

Summary

Overall, these low-calorie french fries are a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried fries. They are lower in calories and fats, making them a guilt-free side dish that you can enjoy without sacrificing flavor.

Summary

These low-calorie french fries are a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried fries. They are crispy, flavorful, and satisfying, making them a guilt-free side dish that you can enjoy without derailing your diet. Try this recipe for a delicious and nutritious twist on a classic favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something special. It was a rainy day in the middle of summer, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my aunt. As I turned the pages, a small slip of paper fell out and fluttered to the floor. Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a handwritten recipe for low-calorie french fries.

I had never heard of such a thing before. French fries were always a guilty pleasure for me, something I indulged in on rare occasions when I wanted to treat myself. But the idea of being able to enjoy them without the guilt was too tempting to resist.

The recipe was simple enough. All it called for was a few russet potatoes, some olive oil, and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. The key, it said, was in the preparation. Instead of deep-frying the potatoes, as was traditional, these fries were baked in the oven until they were crispy and golden brown.

Excited, I set to work right away. I peeled and sliced the potatoes into thin strips, tossing them in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Then I spread them out on a baking sheet and popped them into the oven to bake.

As they cooked, the kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of roasting potatoes. I could hardly wait for them to be done. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I pulled them out of the oven and beheld a tray of perfectly golden fries, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

I couldn't believe how delicious they were. They had all the flavor of traditional french fries, but without the greasy heaviness that always left me feeling guilty afterwards. These were light and crispy, with just the right amount of seasoning to make them irresistible.

I shared them with my family that evening, and they were a hit. My husband couldn't believe that they were low-calorie, and my kids devoured them without complaint. From that moment on, they became a regular staple in our household, a guilt-free indulgence that we all enjoyed.

Over the years, I have made these fries countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my tastes. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of garlic powder for extra flavor, or a dash of paprika for a hint of heat. But no matter how I prepare them, they always turn out delicious.

I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who have all been amazed by how satisfying and tasty these low-calorie french fries are. They have become a go-to dish for parties and gatherings, always disappearing within minutes of being served.

I often think back to that rainy day when I first discovered the recipe, and I am grateful for the serendipitous chain of events that led me to it. It has become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life come when we least expect them.

So if you ever find yourself craving a plate of crispy, golden french fries but don't want to compromise your diet, give this recipe a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe it will become a beloved favorite in your own home, just like it has in mine. Bon appétit!