BUTTERNUT SQUASH OVEN FRIES


Autumn is upon us and judging from the massive volume of squash that has come to market, it has been a good harvest for our much beloved butternut squash. I'm sure soups come to mind whenever you think of butternut squash, it seems to be everyone's favorite way to treat this squash. But in my avid pursuit to find a different and potentially more exciting recipe, I've retreated to a much more retro approach.  



 
You've probably seen yam fries, and since butternut squash is so similar in texture and color, why not try turning them into fries too? So, I made a batch and bingo! A pile of healthy butternut squash french fries. This recipe requires at minimum three ingredients, but you can go crazy with as many spices as you fancy. Easy to make, tasty, and gosh darn it, cool in a hippie-chick does fast-food kind of way.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH OVEN FRIES
Ingredients
  • 1 medium butternut squash
  • 2 -3 tablespoons olive oil
  • sea salt
  • garlic powder (optional)
  • or chipotle powder (optional)
  • or ancho chile power (optional)
  • or nutmeg (optional)
  • or curry powder (optional)

Method
  1. Cut off 1/4-inch from the top and bottom of the squash in an even slice. Peel the butternut squash. Stand the squash upright, cut the squash in half from top to bottom. Scoop out the seeds. Lay each half cut side down, before cutting the squash in half crosswise. Working with one piece at a time, slice the squash into 1/2-inch french fry strips.
  2. In a large bowl, toss together the butternut, olive oil until well coated. Sprinkle sea salt and additional spices, if desired. Toss again.
  3. Arrange on a lined baking sheet, so that the sticks are spread out evenly. Do not crowd the fries or they will not crisp. Bake at 425 F for 30-40 minutes.
serves 3-4

15 comments:

Karine said...

This is the first time I see a butternut squash fries recipe and I find it so original! thanks for sharing:)

Jessica@Foodmayhem said...

I love the flavors you put on it!

The Diva on a Diet said...

What an outstanding idea! I cannot wait to try these. Love that you've oven-baked the fries and the yummy spice combinations are endless. While I do enjoy butternut squash soup, I prefer it roasted ... and this recipe will be a wonderful twist on the usual for me. Thanks!

Pam said...

I love these fries...yum!

Chubby Chinese Girl said...

oh great idea!!! im going to give them a try sometime... very creative... never thought of squash fries!

Mardi Michels said...

Looks great - and I have a squash just dying to be used up too!!!

KennyT said...

They must be so yum!

Velva said...

This is a great idea for using squash. You are absolutely right the butternut has a similar texture and color to the yam-why not do fries! Awesome idea. A great healthy alternative to potato fries.

chow and chatter said...

oh i love this idea will link to chow and chatters fan page if thats ok lol Rebecca

Fresh Local and Best said...

Thanks everyone for these kind comments!

Esi said...

I love butternut squash. This sounds good.

Taste of Beirut said...

Wonderful post! I usually make kibbe with butternut squash but I will definitely try this!

Dolce said...

I really like the idea, and definitely healthier than regular French fries :)

Annie Kate said...

What a great idea! We're trying these for supper tonight, with a few of the dozens of butternuts decorating our living room right now.

Thanks!

Annie Kate

bananabreadbaker said...

I heard about these fries in a Weight Watchers Meeting. Hard to peel and slice a Butternut but worth it. (the acid in them makes your hands/nails oragne) I used olive oil, smoked paprika, granulated garlic, sea salt, pepper and nutmeg. Something different and only oil counts, its all good!