Did you know you can deep fry anything, even ice cream? If you have ever tried it, then you know it’s delicious. So what about the good old pumpkin? We make cakes, punch, mash, and so much more with it. Today we are going to fry it, which will be the perfect french fries alternative.
What is French fried pumpkin?
These are 1/4 inch thick pumpkin sticks coated in blended herbs and spices to marinate, then dusted in flour before frying them.
Facts
Did you know that pumpkins are ideal for storing during cold weather?
Pumpkin is a powerhouse for good nutrition. From the skin to the seed is all edible. The skin is a good source of roughage that the body needs for gut health. The seeds are saved, dried, and sold as a snack. Because you will need a large number of pumpkins to extract the seeds, these are sometimes pricy at the store but are very nutritious.
Pumpkins are best for carving on Halloween, and during that time, they are widely available in different varieties.
Origin
The origin of pumpkins goes as far back as 7500 years ago in Central America but, the oldest domesticated seeds were from the Oaxaca highlands in Mexico. Original pumpkins are tiny, thick, and had a bitter flavor, not much of what we know them to be today. Today pumpkins are sweet with a bright orange color.
On what occasion are they served
They are served best on finger food parties such as birthdays or small backyard gatherings. They are unique and will fit into any recreational activity you may have planned. The kids will love you for these!
What pairs well with them?
These french fries are served best as a side dish with fried or baked chicken.
Dust them with parmesan cheese and dip them in your favorite sauce and enjoy them as a snack.
How the main ingredients work
Flour provides a coating for the pumpkins while they fry to prevent them from sticking to each other.
Oil is suitable for frying the sticks.
White pepper and salt add flavor to the fries along with the other herbs and seasonings.
How is it done?
Thyme, oil, salt, onion, pepper, and garlic are blended then used to marinate the pumpkin sticks for approximately 30 minutes to absorb the different flavors. Vegetable oil is then heated, and the pumpkin strips are coated in flour then fried for 8 minutes. They are ready when a toothpick inserts easily in them.
Why should you make these?
These french fries are different from the rest. They are full of flavor, and their nutritional benefits are a good reason you should make them. We are familiar with potato wedges and fries and everyday items. Try these for a change, and your body will love you for it.
Key term/s
Marinate means to soak raw food in a mixture of seasoning blended with oil or water.
Domesticated seeds imply that the pumpkin cultivated had gone under genetic changes over time by human manipulation. This act resulted in people harvesting seeds from plants that produced larger seeds.
White pepper comes from the same pepper but, the difference is in the harvest time. The white pepper comes from the ripe berries, while the black is from the unripe berry.
Question and answer
Question Could the fries be air-fried instead?
Answer Yes, air frying is an option that would not require the use of oil.
Question Can I substitute black pepper instead of white pepper?
Answer Yes, either pepper works perfectly.
For me, it’s the ever-changing food trend. What is it for you? Imagine what is to come next. Who would have thought you could use pumpkin to make french fries or zucchini, even to fry ice cream. The science behind cooking is evolving, and with each innovation, we get to relish delicious meals. The recipe is simple, and the ingredients are widely available, so let this recipe be on your list of food selections for your next event.
French Fried Pumpkin
Crispy fried pumpkin sticks that will have you wanting more.
Ingredients
- 1lb pumpkin (cut into 1-inch sticks)
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 head of garlic (stripped)
- 1/4 cup fresh thyme (chopped)
- 2 tsp salt (add more or less to taste)
- 2 tsp white pepper
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 cups vegetable oil
Instructions
- Place the garlic, thyme, pepper, salt, and one cup of oil into a blender to pulse.
- Pour the blended mixture on the pumpkins and marinate them for 30 minutes ensuring all the sticks are covered.
- Put the remaining oil in a deep pot over medium heat.
- Coat the pumpkin sticks with flour and shake off the excess.
- Add the coated pumpkin to the heated oil. All of them should submerge in the oil.
- Fry for 7 to 8 mins.
- To check if they are ready, insert a toothpick in the fried pumpkin. If it goes through without pressure, you may serve.
