You probably know that we’re veggie loving twin sisters, registered dietitians and personal trainers who happen to a killer sweet tooth that we work hard to keep in check, so it’s pretty much a given that if it’s sweet, creamy comfort food—and it’s healthy, to boot, we’ll be all over it! J And if you read our latest book The Nutrition Twins Veggie Cure you know that some of our favorite childhood memories include our family meal times centered around our Mom’s home cooking. Pssst…you may remember these meals were inspired by our mom’s weeknight dinners–
Creamy Cauliflower Mac ‘n Cheese
Spaghetti Squash with Tomato Sauce and Parmesan Cheese
Sitting down to Mom’s food always made us happy– it was soothing and lifted our spirits if we were ever upset and we each have memories of sitting at the table and enjoying one of our favorite comfort foods: sweet potatoes.
Great news if you think you can’t eat carbs:
Anti-carb? Not these registered dietitian nutritionists! Whew! We’re all for quality, high fiber, wholesome carbs in moderate portions at your meals (about half a cup) for health and for weight loss! The moment our clients hear that they can eat a sweet potato, they light up. The carbohydrates in sweet potatoes come with fiber, loads of phytonutrients and in a virtually fat free package (as long as you avoid those high-calorie toppings!).
Eating sweet potatoes doesn’t cause your energy to come crashing down as many other carbohydrates do. The fiber in the potato causes the glucose from the carbohydrates to enter your blood stream at a slower and more gradual rate, helping keep your energy level stable and aiding in the prevention of mood swings and cravings that come with energy highs and lows. The fiber also allows for a longer, more sustained serotonin (i.e. happy) surge. One small sweet potato contains nearly 4 grams of fiber, and the fiber in sweet potatoes keeps you regular, light and happy. Thank you fiber!
We’re so excited about these “fries”—if you’re a “lov-ah” of fries, these are a waistline-friendly, healthy version– so enjoy these! Simply sub a serving of these for the other carbs at your meal.
Some more health bonuses in these bites? You bet!
Sweet potato: You may see these called yams at the store, and if so, it’s likely a sweet potato as that’s what they typically sell at most markets in the US. Sweet potatoes with ‘gold’ or ‘red’ in their names typically have orange colored flesh.
Your face won’t be the only part of you smiling when you eat these pups! Sweet potatoes:
- contain two very potent antioxidants– carotenoids (including beta carotene) and sporamins which fight everything from the negative health consequences that come with aging to almost all types of disease.
- fight inflammation. Eat a sweet potato and research shows that inflammation in the body immediately decreases, especially in the brain and nerve tissues throughout the body.
- offer great promise when it comes to Type 2 Diabetes.
Other super stars in this recipe:
Tarragon (Mexican Tarragon) has a somewhat licorice-like flavor (should’ve known Lyssie’d be a fan with her fennel love—that is often described as tasting like licorice!) and has a light flavor compared to French Tarragon, either can be used.
- Great source of poly-phenolic compounds—plant nutrients that help to fight inflammation and that help to achieve optimal health
- help lower blood sugar
Garlic. You’ve probably heard that this great-smelling (when you’re cooking it!) show-stopper is beneficial for the cardiovascular system. So it keeps your ticker healthy and your blood pressure, too. And it helps to calm your body internally as its got powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
You’ll flip for these “fries”!
Roasted Tarragon Garlic Sweet Potato “Fries”
You can make these pups into fries or if you prefer them as a side dish you can make ‘em into nips (aka cubes, see directions below). Serve with lean protein like grilled chicken breast, with other roasted non-starchy veggies (or with steamed ones, or veggies in a salad if you prefer.)
Serves 2
Ingredients
1 large sweet potato
1 ¾ teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon minced garlic
Pinch dried tarragon
Sea salt to taste, optional
Sprig of fresh tarragon, leaves for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Place parchment paper on baking sheet.
- Combine olive oil, garlic and tarragon. Set aside while preparing sweet potato.
- Cut sweet potato into French fry shaped spears, about 3 inches long by ¼ inch wide or evenly sized cubes—we call these golden nuggets, nips (if serving as a side dish).
- Toss cut sweet potato with olive oil, garlic and tarragon mixture.
- Bake in oven for approximately 20 minutes, turning potatoes, at 10 minute intervals to prevent burning. Roast until golden brown on all sides.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with dash of salt, if using and fresh tarragon leaves (optional).
Nutrition Facts Per 2 Serving: 92 Calories, 4 g Fat, 1 g Saturated Fat, 0 mg Cholesterol, 36 mg Sodium, 13 g Carbohydrate, 2 g Fiber, 3 g Sugar, 1 g Protein
- 1 large sweet potato
- 1 ¾ teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon minced garlic
- Pinch dried tarragon
- Sea salt to taste, optional
- Sprig of fresh tarragon, leaves for garnish (optional)
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Place parchment paper on baking sheet.
- Combine olive oil, garlic and tarragon. Set aside while preparing sweet potato.
- Cut sweet potato into French fry shaped spears, about 3 inches long by ¼ inch wide or evenly sized cubes—we call these golden nuggets, nips (if serving as a side dish).
- Toss cut sweet potato with olive oil, garlic and tarragon mixture.
- Bake in oven for approximately 20 minutes, turning potatoes, at 10 minute intervals to prevent burning. Roast until golden brown on all sides.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with dash of salt, if using and fresh tarragon leaves (optional).