French fries are an accessible comfort food, but their common preparation - fried in oil - is a weighty treat not advisable to the health-oriented consumer. Nonetheless, it is possible to indulge in this crispy golden treat while retaining healthier alternatives. Various ingredients, preparation methods, and oils can be used to produce a healthier version of French fries without compromising on taste. To explore more about French fries industry check out the latest research report by Coherent Market Insights (CMI). Below are some health-oriented alternatives to regular French fries.
- Use Sweet Potatoes
Replacing sweet potatoes for ordinary potatoes is one of the most effective ways of upgrading your French fries' nutritional content. Sweet potatoes contain fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants like beta-carotene, all of which are responsible for good eyesight, immunological well-being, and healthy skin. Sweet potatoes not only pack a nutritional punch but their inherent sweetness also gives the traditional French fry a unique and luscious flavor. Simply cut the sweet potatoes into fries, toss with a drizzle of olive oil, and season them with your preferred herbs and spices. For the crispy finish, bake or air fry.
- Baking as a Replacement for Frying
Regular French fries are fried, and this can lead to a high calorie and unhealthy fat intake. Baking fries is the most ideal method of making fries healthier. You can remove much of the oil and reduce the overall fat content by baking your fries. Also, since less of the food is heated to high temperatures when baking compared to frying, you can maintain more of the potato's nutrients. Sprinkle your chopped sweet potatoes or potatoes with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like, toss them with a small amount of heart-healthy oil, like avocado or olive oil, and bake at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Frying With Healthier Oils
No oil used for frying French fries is equal to any other oil. While deep-frying French fries using conventional vegetable oils may provide unwanted saturated fats, healthier oils can provide additional nutritional value to your French fries. Choose oils with high smoke points and high levels of healthy fats, including olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil. Not only are these oils heart-friendly, but they also impart a rich flavor to the fries. Using a light layer of oil instead of submerging the fries ensures that they are lighter but crispy.
- Adding Nutrient-Dense Toppings
Adding healthy toppings to your fries is a great way to make them even healthier. To get a cheesy flavor with fewer calories, top fries with avocado, Greek yogurt (a healthier alternative to sour cream), or sprinkle a little nutritional yeast on top. Avoid the rich cheese and sour cream that are normally placed in loaded fries. Flavor and antioxidants can also be contributed by using fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
French fries don't have to be a guilty pleasure. By substituting sweet potatoes for regular potatoes, baking instead of frying, healthy oils, and searching for better-topping and batter options, you can enjoy a lower-fat, healthier version. The few modifications allow you to enjoy French fries' golden, crunchy goodness without compromising your healthy goals.
