The Conversation
If you’re trying to eat clean, you’ll probably turn to Whole30 recipes pretty often. And when you get a hardcore craving for something carb-y, you will likely sub in Paleo-friendly recipes for your favorite indulgences. But there’s one craving that’s particularly hard to replace: French fries. There’s no doubt that oven-baked sweet potato fries are DELISH, but if you’re really serious about this whole clean eating thing, you should know there are even *more* yummy alternatives out there. Check out these 11 veggies you never knew you could make into fries.
Eggplant Fries
If you’ve ever experienced the awesomeness that is eggplant Parm, you’ll understand just how delicious these fries are. Eggplant pairs perfectly with marinara sauce, so these fries will satisfy your cravings for both Italian food AND French fries. (via A Family Feast)
Turnip Fries
These turnips may be fried, but they’re not breaded — making them a little healthier than what you’ll find in restaurants. Make sure you peel the skin off these babies prior to cooking! Bonus points if you serve them with a Sriracha-based hot sauce too. (via Salted and Styled)
Baked Carrot Fries
You know what’s one of the most impressive things abut these carrot fries? Like many of the other recipes on this list, they’re both Paleo AND vegan. In fact, other than carrots, the only ingredients in this recipe are salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic powder and thyme. Clean in the EXTREME. (via Healy Eats Real)
Parmesan Garlic Parsnip French Fries
Parsnips are similar to carrots, only they’re a little bit more mild in flavor. That means that they’re PERFECT for topping with Parmesan cheese and garlic. You’d never know that they’re lower in carbs (yet higher in fiber) than potatoes. (via Dashing Dish)
Jicama Fries
Jicama (that’s pronounced HE-kuh-muh) is a type of Mexican tuberous root vegetable. You can find it at most Whole Foods and other health food stores — and when subbed in for fries, they’re *seriously* delicious. (via Food Fanatic)
Paleo Plantain Fries
Plantains may look like huge bananas, but they’re a completely different fruit. Pro tip: Depending on what flavor you’re looking for, you may want to go for either green (unripe) or brown (super-ripe) plantains. The latter will be A LOT sweeter than the former. (via Real Simple Good)
Baked Butternut Squash Fries
The most difficult part of making these super-yummy butternut squash fries will be peeling and de-seeding your gourd. After that, it’s smooth sailing: You just cut the squash into fry-like shapes, coat with salt, drizzle with olive oil and bake. DONE. (via Cutefetti)
Rutabaga Fries
If you like the taste of rutabaga, you will LOVE these rutabaga fries. Be sure to lay them out evenly on parchment paper before putting them into the oven — this will ensure they bake evenly. (via The Cookie Writer)
Crispy Parmesan Baked Green Bean Fries
This mixture is a little lighter than traditional French fries in that it’s made with green beans (rather than potatoes) and it’s baked (rather than fried). However, it is coated with bread crumbs. Sub in gluten-free bread crumbs if you’re looking to keep things wheat-free. (via Sweet Peas and Saffron)
Garlic & Herb Celeriac Fries
If you haven’t heard of celeriac before, here’s a primer. It’s actually the root of a type of celery and has been simply called celery root from time to time. This recipe showcases its flavor with olive oil, rosemary, oregano and garlic, making for a DELICIOUS alternative to fries. (via My Fussy Eater)
The Best Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries
These scrumptious-looking zucchini fries have half the calories and carbs of traditional French fries. Bonus points for serving them with a chipotle aioli sauce, as shown here. (via Gimme Delicious)