When an influencer told us she found the perfect homemade french fry recipe, we were skeptical. Really 🤔, the BEST?
What's the secret? Japanese Sweet Potatoes (yes, the purple ones!)
The combination of these type of potatoes and raw, unrefined coconut oil work perfectly together to crisp the outer layer, while slow roasting a soft potato filling. Also, coconut oil can withstand high-heat, so it works beautifully to draw out the starches from the potato to slightly caramelize.
With a touch of salt and -- boom! Perfection!
Not only will you experience an explosion of flavor, but this side dish is packed with antioxidants and vitamins.
What Are Japanese Sweet Potatoes?
Japanese sweet potatoes are called Satsumaimo. With distinct purple-ish or reddish color skin, inside the sweet potatoes are creamy white flesh that turns yellow after cooking.
What Do Japanese Sweet Potatoes Taste like?
Japanese sweet potatoes have a much sweeter taste than ordinary sweet potato varieties found in the US. They have a nutty flavor reminiscent of roasted chestnuts. The texture is drier, firmer, and starchier, and its concentrated sweetness makes them an ideal ingredient for making desserts.
Health Benefits
Japanese Sweet Potatoes:
It’s known knowledge that all sweet potatoes are good for you. High in complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber, they provide a good source of energy. This is why they are particularly enjoyed by farmers and hard labor workers in Japan. They are also a great source of vitamins (especially vitamin A), minerals, potassium, iron, and copper. Best of all they contain all the essential amino acids that our bodies need.
Are Japanese sweet potatoes healthier than regular sweet potatoes? All varieties of sweet potatoes are good for you but these purple-skin tubers do have higher concentrations of specific vitamins and nutrients. Here are some significant health benefits you’ll like to know:
- Rich in antioxidants – Some people claim that Japanese sweet potatoes are their secrets to healthy skin. Thanks to its hyaluronic acid content and Vitamin C & A which are important for skin health, eating it regularly helps to promote hydration and elasticity of the skin.
- Helps regulate glucose levels – Sweet potato starch is higher in amylose than amylopectin, which raises blood sugar slowly. It makes a healthy choice for diabetics.
- Promotes weight loss – Japanese sweet potatoes are naturally low in ​fat, high in fiber​ and ​contain no cholesterol​. It makes a great alternative for those who need to watch their diet. Healthy complex ​carbohydrates​ are crucial for the production of energy needed for metabolic and physical processes. You can soothe your carb craving with these starchy tubers. As it is delicious on its own, it makes a satisfying food to eat—whether as a main or as a snack that will keep you full and energized.
Raw, Unrefined Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil is a powerful superfood. The combination of fatty acids, antioxidants, MCTs, & Vitamin E work together to nourish the body inside and out. These powerful micronutrients and antimicrobial agents are all naturally occuring in coconuts.
Raw, Unrefined Coconut Oil preserves more MCTs and lauric acid and 4x more antioxidants than cold-pressed coconut oil.
Dignity Coconuts Raw Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil is the most pure coconut oil on the market. We promise 4x more nutritional benefits in every scoop.
The Recipe!
The Perfect Homemade Fries: Roasted Japanese Sweet Potatoes with Coconut Oil
Ingredients:
- Japanese Sweet Potatoes
- Raw Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil
- Sea Salt
- Optional: Garlic powder
- Optional: Paprika
Instructions:
- Pre-heat your oven to 425F
- Wash and clean potatoes. Leave the skin on, but make sure to scrub off all dirt or cut off any bad areas.
- Cut the potatoes long, about an inch in thickness (similar to potato wedges).
- Let them soak in an ice bath for 10 minutes. Then pull the potatoes out and pat dry until completely dry.
- In a different bowl, melt your coconut oil and pour over your potatoes. Stir until evenly coated.
- Add salt and stir until evenly coated.
- If you have paprika and garlic powder on hand, this is a great addition for delicious flavor!
- Line your potato wedges on a baking sheet, with the skin side down. Roast for 15 min.
- Then, flip and mix your potatoes and continue roasting for another 5 minutes. This helps your potatoes roast evenly, without getting too stuck to the bottom of your pan.
- Test one potato to make sure it's cooked to your likeness! (It should be soft in the middle!)
- Take out your baking sheet.
- If you have a cooling rack, we love to transfer the cooked potatoes to this, as it will allow your potatoes to continue carmalizing on the inside without over cooking your outer layer. But if you don't have a cooling rack, still transfer the potatoes off of the hot pan--a plate will do!
- Let your potatoes cool for 5 minutes before diving in. (They will be hot!)
- Serve as a side dish or a snack :)
