Loving It: Sweet Potato Fries

Mmm, I love fries. The greasier and squishier they are the better and I used to love to dip them in a mixture of mayonnaise and ketchup. However, they aren’t exactly the healthiest fare and sometimes cauliflower just doesn’t cut it. In a burst of inspiration, I picked up some sweet potatoes at our local market.
I was going to make sweet potato fries in the oven, but decided that was too time-consuming, so I’ve been making pan fries. You can use Pam or extra virgin olive oil if you’re trying to make it healthy (I love my flavored olive oils). It seems to take about 10 minutes sauteeing them on medium to high heat (stovetops may vary, so watch them). I’ve adapted my “dipping sauce” to low-fat mayo mixed with pico de gallo – delicious!
The main draw of sweet potatoes over regular potatoes is that they’re complex, instead of simple carbs. The breakdown for regular potatoes is – 278 calories for one large, and a whopping 55 net carbs. Sweet potatoes (one large) come in at 162 calories and only 30 net carbs. Yes, you need to be up on the carb ladder somewhat if you’re on an Atkins-like diet, but they’re a good addition to almost any diet.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit sweeter, try this recipe for sweet potato casserole made with Splenda (although I’d leave out the margarine, and use butter or a healthy, flavor-free oil instead).

Claire

(image from Country Living)