How to Make Butternut Squash Fries

Sam is glued to the video game and constantly binging on potato fries. (Mother enters Sam's room and scolds him left, right and center). Sam's mother is irritated with his irregular and junk eating habits. But, what can she do, it is Sam's winter break and it is chilly outside, so video games are his source of entertainment.

But, the junk eating habits can probably be changed. How about making butternut squash fries for Sam instead of potato fries? They are healthy and tasty at the same time. This article will teach you to make crispy butternut squash fries that your kids will love.

In winters, the markets are full of this most popular winter fruit "butternut squash". They are pear-shaped, yellowish huge fruits that look more or less like regular pumpkins. The butternut squash can be stored for a long time, without its taste or nutritional value being distributed.

They are slightly sweet and lightly nutty to taste. Butternut squash is loaded with different nutrients like vitamins, minerals and are an excellent source of fiber. Butternut squash fries taste awesome, way better and healthier than potato fries.

Although they do not come out as crispy as the potato fries, but there are ways and tricks to make it crispier. Having discussed so much about these yummy fries, without much ado, let's get started with making butternut squash fries.

Ready In: Less than half an hour
Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash
• 4 tablespoons of olive oil or coconut oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

#1 To begin with, cut the ends of your squash off using a sharp knife. Cut it into half again.Now, scrape the seeds out using a spoon. Once you are done with this, cut the squash into pieces, that you can hold in your hand.

#2 Scrape the outer tough rind of the butternut squash. Use a sharp peeler as it makes your job easy and quick too. Once the squash is peeled off, you are almost there to taste the awesome fries!

#3 With the help of a sharp knife cut the squash into long pieces, of whatever size you desire. You either cut them into thin sticks or thick, however you like it. * The thin one's come out crispy!

#4 Place these cut pieces in a bowl, pour a little coconut or olive oil over the squash pieces. You can also use a mixture of both of them. Then, sprinkle freshly ground pepper and salt, toss them thoroughly. Try sprinkling a little cinnamon and nutmeg as well, tastes awesome!

#5 Now, line them in order on the baking sheet covered with aluminum foil with enough space between the two fries. Secret to crisp fries revealed here: when you place the fries far apart from each other, they come out crisp and are not overly soft, as each fry gets enough attention from the oven radiations and are cooked properly.

#6 Preheat your oven to 450°F and then place the baking sheet in the oven for about 40-45 minutes. Now, you have to keep turning these fries every 15 minutes, if you want crispier fries and for the softer ones, just turn them at least once during the entire baking process.

#7 Once done with the baking process, gorge on these yummy crispy fries and your little ones would love it too. Serve them hot with salsa sauce or tomato ketchup.

So, you know the secret to making crispy butternut squash fries. Now you don't have to worry about your little one binging on potato fries or other junk. Butternut squash fries are sure to make them forget all the other junk.

P.S- Sam's mother is not worried now, in fact she too plays video games with him and both of them enjoy the hot, healthy and yummy butternut squash fries, while doing so.