HEALTHY GLUTEN FREE ZUCCHINI FRIES
It’s national junk food day, and like many people, I’ve had my splurge of easy and convenient fast food. I’m not going to sit here and pretend that I hated it because I’m on a different mindset now. It was really good. It was fast, cheap, took minimal effort to get, and was ready within the time span of your car reaching the window at the drive thru.
It just didn’t make me feel good in the aftermath. I felt lethargic, bloated, and worst of all, still hungry after an hour. That’s how it goes though right? The food tastes really good, doesn’t keep you satiated, so within an hour or two you’re after the next fast food fix you can get your hands on. There’s a method to this madness.
Fast food is made up of high calorie foods that are low in nutritional value. It’s usually laden in fat, which will trick your stomach into thinking it’s full when it’s really not. Fat is more than twice as high in caloric content compared to carbohydrates and protein. This tricks your stomach to feel like it’s full to capacity when in reality it’s still pretty empty. Your body will burn through it quicker due to the low amount of contents, so as a result, you’re off to find your next meal sooner than you should. It’s a vicious cycle that I didn’t get out of until I really started investing in my own health.
After changing up my eating habits, I’ve learned to find much better alternatives to satisfy my fast food cravings. Not only is the flavor better with whole foods, but it’s also better for your body and will keep you full without the negative consequences. In the spirit of national junk food day, I want to share a recipe that is a healthier substitute to french fries.
This dish is easy to make and tastes delicious without the unfortunate consequences that fast food brings. It’s full of fiber and will definitely give you that fast food fix. Let’s get started!
HEALTHY GLUTEN FREE ZUCCHINI FRIES
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Bowls
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 Zucchini
- 1/2 cup Water
- *1/4 cup GF flour plus 1 tbsp
- 1/2 cup GF panko breading
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Oregano dried
- 1/4 tsp Thyme dried
- 1/4 tsp Rosemary dried
- 1/4 tsp Paprika
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 F.
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In one bowl, mix together the water and gluten free flour. Set it aside.
- In another bowl, mix together panko, oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Add olive oil and mix together again until all ingredients are thoroughly coated with the oil.
- Take a zucchini spear and dip it in the water and flour mixture until it’s completely coated.
- Then take it out and dip it in the panko mixture until it’s evenly coated.
- Place the zucchini spear flat on the baking sheet and repeat for the remaining spears.
- Bake for 20 minutes, and flip the zucchini spears halfway through.
- Once it’s finished, allow the spears to rest for 10-15 minutes, then serve and enjoy!
Zucchini fries are a great snack to have for a healthy and guilt free alternative to french fries. It’s low in calories and full of fiber so it’s sure to keep your stomach full and satiated. Pair it with your favorite dips, or even eat it alone. There’s no wrong way to do it. I personally like eating mine with a little bit of vegan ranch. I hope you enjoy this recipe and please tag me on Instagram if you make this dish!
With love,
April