Get ready to transform your ordinary side dish into an extraordinary culinary adventure! These Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Zaatar are not just another recipe—they're a Middle Eastern-inspired flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance. Imagine crispy, golden sweet potato strips perfectly seasoned with aromatic zaatar spice, offering a tantalizing blend of herbs, sesame, and pure deliciousness. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or an adventurous home cook, these fries will revolutionize your meal game with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons zaatar spice blend
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under cool running water. Pat them completely dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve crispier fries.
- Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform, thin fry-shaped strips, approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Consistent sizing ensures even cooking and crispy texture.
- Place the cut sweet potato fries in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the fries and toss gently to coat each fry evenly, ensuring complete oil coverage.
- Sprinkle zaatar spice blend, salt, and black pepper over the oiled fries. Use your hands or a spatula to mix and distribute the seasonings thoroughly.
- Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Leave space between fries to allow hot air circulation and promote crispiness.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispness.
- Check the fries during the last 5 minutes of cooking. They should be golden brown and crispy on the edges. Adjust cooking time if needed based on your oven's performance.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the fries cool for 2-3 minutes. This brief resting period helps them become slightly crunchier.
- Transfer the baked zaatar sweet potato fries to a serving plate. Optionally, sprinkle additional zaatar or sea salt for extra flavor before serving.
Tips
- Moisture is the Enemy of Crispiness: Always thoroughly pat your sweet potato fries dry before seasoning. The drier they are, the crispier they'll become.
- Cut Uniformly: Ensure all fry pieces are roughly the same size to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture.
- Don't Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Give your fries breathing room. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crispy roasting.
- Flip Halfway: Turning the fries midway ensures even browning and prevents burning.
- Experiment with Zaatar: Not all zaatar blends are created equal. Try different brands or make your own for a personalized flavor profile.
- Serve Immediately: These fries are best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the oven when they're at peak crispiness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
