Hunan-Style Baked Sweet Potato “French Fries” with Chili Sauce

Though traditionally made with deep-fried white potatoes, these sweet potatoes are no less scrumptious and a lot healthier baked in the oven, before being coated in a devilishly hot chili sauce. Russet potatoes can replace one or both of the sweet potatoes, if desired.

MAKES 4 SERVINGS

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

1⁄8 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 large sweet potatoes (about 8 ounces each), peeled, cut into thin French fry– like fingers

2 tablespoons tomato ketchup

2 teaspoons Chinese chili paste, or to taste

2 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar

2 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon toasted (dark) sesame oil

1 tablespoon peanut oil

1⁄2 tablespoon Chinese hot oil, or to taste

2 scallions, mostly green parts, thinly sliced

Preheat oven to 425F (220C). Lightly oil a large baking sheet and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch with the salt and pepper. Add the potatoes, tossing well to thoroughly coat. Shake off excess cornstarch and arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the center of the oven until tender through the center, about 20 minutes, turning halfway through cooking. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly (at this point, potatoes can be left at room temperature up to 1 hour before continuing with the recipe). In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, chili paste, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the peanut oil and hot oil over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes and cook, tossing and stirring often, until nicely browned, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and add the ketchup mixture; cook, tossing and stirring often, until potatoes are coated and sauce is heated through, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a warmed serving plate and serve at once, garnished with the scallions.

{PER SERVING} Calories 170 • Protein 3g • Total Fat 6g • Sat Fat 1g • Cholesterol 0mg • Carbohydrate 27g • Dietary Fiber 2g • Sodium 465mg

hancheng

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