The Kitchn: Spiced Oven Fries with Garlic Spread
Fries don't really come to mind when you think about eating healthy, but these are baked in the oven and served with a light, yet creamy, garlic dip. Plus, they're loaded with big flavor from a spice that's having a moment right now.
I recently tried a similar dish at Semiramis, a Lebanese restaurant in Chicago's Albany Park neighborhood. I was eying a fava bean appetizer, but when I ordered it the wise server glanced at my dining companion, not a big fan of legumes, and quickly said, "You should get the fries. They're really good."
And so it was decided.
Turned out, she was right -- they were really good. Dusted with lemony sumac, a spice that features widely in the Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine that seems to be everywhere right now, and served with a garlic mousse, they disappeared very quickly. When our server returned, I had to ask about the dip. It was obviously packed with garlic, but what gave it the slightly creamy texture? "Potatoes," she replied. Genius!
I've thickened soups with pureed vegetables before, but I hadn't thought of doing it with a dip. It's a great trick and a great way to cut out some of the fat when snacking.
Sumac-Dusted Oven Fries with Garlic Spread
Serves 2 to 3
4 medium-sized russet potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
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