I made a list of goals I wanted to complete in 2011, and one kept popping into my mind until I decided, TONIGHT! I will check this off the list TONIGHT!
And might I add… it was a wild success!
What is this goal, you ask?
PARSNIP FRIES! ::dun dun dunnnnnnnnnn::
I’ve seen these on other blogs and have always been curious… and who doesn’t like a food you can dip in ketchup?
Here you have them: parsnips:
They look like oversized carrots, only paler and with a stronger flavor (but don’t let that scare you).
Some of the health benefits from our friend, the parsnip, include:
- they contain folic acid, which helps in reducing heart disease and preventing dementia as well as osteoporosis bone fractures.
- a good source of vitamin C and niacin, parsnips can help in boosting the immune system and proper functioning of digestive system, skin and nerves.
- high in fiber
- the roots (the part you eat) have diuretic and antioxidant properties.
And the nutrition facts, for 1/2 c of sliced parsnips:
55 calories, 13 g carbs, 0 g fat, 1 g protein
Now for the good stuff… how to make them into FRIES!
Peel them, as you would a carrot.
Once they’re naked…
slice them into thin fries.
Toss them in enough olive oil to coat, but no need to drench them.
Then spread them on a baking sheet and sprinkle with salt. I also chose to sprinkle on Cajun seasoning (it was a good decision).
Then, pop them in the oven at 375 degrees for 35-40 minutes, until they have brown edges and a nice crisp!
Plate them (love that term… thanks Top Chef!) with a giant blob of natural, no HFCS ketchup.
The verdict? YUM! They have an earthier texture than a regular potato fry, but I really liked them!! The key is definitely to cut them thin, because the crispy ones were the best. And the Cajun seasoning added some YUM factor, too.
Oh! And I wasn’t the only one who thought they were tasty.
That’s right, these fries are Hubb’s approved!
What are your favorite kind of fries?
Katie @ Healthy Heddleston says
Sweet potato fries/crips are my favorite.. my hubs and i tried parsnip fries about 1-2 months ago and we ere less than thrilled.. flavor was too overwhelming for us!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
I love parsnips in soups and stews, but have yet to turn them into fries! I almost said my favorite type of fry is sweet potato, which I guess is the “blog-ily correct” answer…but really? I think seasoned waffle fries are the most delicious. 🙂
Carly says
Those look great! I’ll have to try that out! 🙂
Karlee @olivewineandfood says
yumm those look interesting! i love sweet potato and butternut squash fries, i will have to try these.
Caree @ Fit-Mama says
I have made homemade sweet potato fries and green bean fries but I still want to make these too!!
Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans says
I’ve never tried them although I have heard that they are really yummy. I am partial to steak cut potato fries myself.
Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good says
I’m a big fan of parsnips! Glad you liked them.
I like fries made from potatoes, sweet potatoes and parsnips. I am intrigued by the idea of green bean fries. I will have to look into that.
Maria @ Oh Healthy Day says
I will always be a tried and true real potato french fry girl. Homemade ones from real potatoes (or In and Out will suffice)
Actually, since I’ve become “healthier” than the girl who used to buy the microwave fries (remember those?), I have taken a huge liking to sweet potato fries, though regular potato fries will always be my downfall.
Jess @atasteofconfidence says
Sweet potato fries are definitely my favorite!
Corey @ the runner's cookie says
I’ve been wanting to try parsnips!! Never bought them but they look so good in everyone’s recipes.
Sweet potato fries are my fave 🙂
Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks says
Parsnip fries rock! I’ll be honest though, I never peel them (or carrots either)…I always eat the skin of fruits and veggies that have edible skin. I like the fiber and frankly, I’m too lazy to peel them! 😉
Favorite fries are still regular old potato fries. Parsnip and sweet potato are swell, but they can’t beat a classic.
christina says
mmm yes i love parsnip fries. i’ve never peeled mine before. oops.
Alyssa @ Life of bLyss says
rule of thumb: if the boy approves, it’s generally golden! 😉
and I LOVE sweet potato fries. yum, yum, yum!
I have kept parsnip fries on my list forever, too. MUST do it soon. I need a kick in the rear.
Roz says
Oh yum….LOVE parsnip fries. I like butternut squash fries and turnip fries too. My husband is more of a traditionalist though, I prefers to stick with potato or yam. Have a great weekend.
Sara @ Nourish and Flourish says
Like you, these have been on my to-make list for a looong time! Maybe you’ve provided enough inspiration for me to actually make it happen!
I love all fries…but I’m going to be super blog cliche and say that sweet potato fries are my favorite! The salty-sweet combo always does it for me!
Pure2raw Twins says
Love parsnip fries! So good now I am craving them 😉 But my all time favorite are sweet potato fries
Katie says
I have only tried regular fries (of which I prefer the really thick kind) and sweet potato fries. I think I like regular the best…but don’t like fries that much really because they always make me feel ill afterwards for some reason, maybe too much grease! I would like to try parsnip fries though.
Erin A. says
well that’s an interesting take…I just made some delicious sweet potato fries (baked) with garlic, fresh rosemary, olive oil, salt and egg white (for crisping) last night and posted on my blog…weight watchers friendly and all! will check these out too. THANKS!