This jazzed-up finger food goes great with classic mains like steak or sandwiches.
Potato fries are great, but sometimes I get sick of them. Carrot fries, on the other hand, are lighter and sweeter. They’re an ideal complement to savory mains like barbecue chicken, mac and cheese, or veggie burgers. Meat-lovers and vegans alike can fall in love with these fries… not just for how tasty they are, but for how easy they are to make.
While crafting carrot fries, I like to add slightly more than the suggested measurement for each spice. It amplifies the flavor like nobody’s business! For instance, one whole teaspoon of paprika instead of three-quarters, ramping up the smokiness. If I want more sweetness, I’ll mix in a tablespoon of maple syrup with the oil and seasonings. I love how versatile this recipe is.
So, although eating your veggies isn’t usually “exciting,” carrot fries are the opposite of boring. The more, the merrier! And the dynamically sweet carrots go well with a wide variety of flavors… from savory to hot ‘n’ spicy. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced chef, you can play with the possibilities according to your preference.
Are Carrot Fries Healthy?
Rich in vitamins A, C and K, as well as fiber, carrot fries are a healthy alternative to regular fries, especially since they’re baked instead of deep-fried. This means they have less fat and calories. Additionally, this recipe is 100% vegan; just make sure to pair it with dips and other dishes that are also vegan if needed.
Crafting Rainbow Carrot Fries
Don’t worry, this isn’t about dyeing your carrots with food coloring. It’s actually a lot cooler than that. Did you know that carrots aren’t just orange? They also come in yellow, red, and purple! This colorful crew has become a unique favorite of professional chefs and salad-lovers around the world. When I first found them in the grocery store, I was stoked. I knew immediately that I wanted to roast and season them with spices and herbs… much like this recipe! So, if you want four colors of the rainbow instead of just one, grab a bag of rainbow carrots and get going.
FAQs & Tips
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Once cooled to room temperature, leftover carrot fries can be stored in an airtight container. Refrigerate them like this for 2-3 days, or freeze them for up to 1 month and then thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat by baking them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, until they’re completely warm.
Should I Boil Carrots Before Baking?
Some chefs like to parboil their carrots before baking to soften them. But since this recipe calls for up to 25 minutes of baking time, the boil step isn’t really necessary.
Customize That Seasoning
While the seasoning included in this recipe is tasty as is, you can always play around with it to suit your tastes. Try some dried rosemary for an herbal variation, or scatter some shredded Parmesan over the fries as soon as they come out of the oven. Add red pepper flakes for more heat, or skip the cumin and add a little jerk seasoning for a Caribbean twist.
Serving Suggestions
Opting for carrot fries as an appetizer or snack? Dish them out with a dip like Fry Sauce, zesty Honey Mustard, Avocado Dip, or Garlic Parmesan Sauce.
But if it’s a full meal you’re craving, serve freshly baked carrot fries with Salmon Burgers, Chickpea Wraps, Avocado Grilled Cheese, or Steak and Potatoes. It doesn’t matter if it’s lunch or dinner. Heck, you could even break out the carrot fries with Zucchini and Eggs for brunch! Regardless, this dish stands strong and satisfies like no other.
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots peeled and cut into uniform fry shapes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley optional, for garnish
- Preferred sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Place the cut carrots in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, cornstarch, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Toss until all fries are evenly coated.
- Arrange the carrots in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they're crispy and lightly browned.
- Optionally garnish with fresh parsley before serving with your preferred dipping sauce.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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