In the world of side dishes, the humble rutabaga takes center stage in our culinary journey to create Rutabaga Oven Fries. While these golden batons may not be truly fried, they certainly look and feel like classic french fries, offering a delightful alternative that pairs perfectly with ketchup or aioli (garlic mayonnaise). Today, we embark on a culinary adventure that brings the natural sweetness of rutabaga to life, elevating it into a crispy, flavorful treat.
SERVES 4
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 large rutabaga (commonly known as a “wax turnip”), thickly peeled
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of finely chopped thyme, rosemary, or parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preparation and Slicing the RutabagaOur journey begins with the star of the dish—the rutabaga. This root vegetable, often overlooked, holds the potential to shine as a delightful side. Begin by selecting a large rutabaga, commonly referred to as a “wax turnip.”
With your rutabaga at the ready, it’s time to prepare it for its transformation into oven fries. Thickly peel the rutabaga, ensuring that its vibrant and sweet interior is revealed. The peel may be thick, but it conceals a treasure trove of flavor.
Once peeled, slice the rutabaga into 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch sticks, creating the iconic batons that resemble classic french fries. To enhance their texture, soak the rutabaga sticks in cold water for 30 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch and ensures that our oven fries achieve the perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness.
After their refreshing bath, thoroughly dry the rutabaga sticks with towels. This step is essential to prevent excess moisture, allowing our oven fries to crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Tossing in Oil and SaltTo prepare our rutabaga sticks for their journey into the oven, gently toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil. This light coating of oil adds a touch of richness and ensures that the fries achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
A light sprinkling of kosher salt enhances the natural sweetness of the rutabaga and adds a hint of seasoning. Toss the rutabaga sticks gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the oil and salt, preparing them for their transformation in the oven.
- Baking to Golden PerfectionPreheat your oven to 400°F, creating the ideal environment for our rutabaga fries to achieve their golden glory. Spread the seasoned rutabaga sticks into a single layer on a sheet pan, ensuring that they have ample space to cook evenly.
As they bake, turn the rutabaga fries occasionally to guarantee even browning and tenderness. The oven’s warmth and gentle embrace will work their magic over the next 30 to 40 minutes, transforming our rutabaga into crisp, golden delights.
- Seasoning with Herbs and PepperAs the rutabaga oven fries emerge from their golden bath, they are ready to embrace the final touches that elevate them into a culinary masterpiece. Sprinkle them with 1 tablespoon of finely chopped thyme, rosemary, or parsley. These herbs add a burst of freshness and flavor that beautifully complements the natural sweetness of the rutabaga.
A final touch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, ensures that our oven fries are seasoned to perfection. This seasoning brings depth and balance to each bite.
Savoring the Golden Delight of Rutabaga Oven Fries
As you savor each bite of Rutabaga Oven Fries, you’ll experience the transformation of a humble root vegetable into a golden delight that rivals classic french fries. The natural sweetness of the rutabaga harmonizes beautifully with the crispy exterior, while the herbs and seasonings add layers of flavor.
Whether enjoyed as a side dish, a snack, or a unique addition to your culinary repertoire, Rutabaga Oven Fries invite you to embrace the versatility of this often-overlooked vegetable. This recipe celebrates the joy of simple yet profoundly delicious flavors. Enjoy the crispy and flavorful journey of Rutabaga Oven Fries!
