I know that for many people, including my family, Hanukkah is a fried-food-fest. That once-a-year indulgence we look forward to with glee. Whether it's the fried latkes, the doughnuts, the chicken -- whatever -- it's the fried part that counts for us. That crunch! That crust! That crisp!
Oy.
So, sure, let's enjoy that first round of classic holiday favorites.
But Hanukkah is an 8-day holiday! So -- how about what I like to call "sort-of-fried" for the remaining days (and anytime after).
Mock fried.
That is, food cooked at high heat that gets crispy, liked fried food, but without the calories, the mess, the fuss and the smell.
I realize it is NOT THE SAME AS FRIED FOOD.
I get it.
But it is still really tasty, and with the proper crispiness.
Like these sweet potato "fries."
Try these the next time you want something resembles fried without the frying.
Sweet Potato Fries
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or to taste (or use cayenne pepper)
Preheat the oven to 425F degrees. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into julienne strips about 1/4-inch wide. Place the strips in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Pour the olive oil over the strips and toss to coat them all. Sprinkle the sea salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper on top. Bake, tossing once or twice, for about 15 minutes, or until the strips are browned and crispy.
Makes 4-6 servings.