Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Mushroom Fries

“Go vegetable heavy. Reverse the psychology of your plate by making meat the side dish and vegetables the main course.” - Bobby Flay

One of the things I’ve really been incorporating in my meals, is the use of more vegetables, and cutting out the carbs. If you know me on a personal level, then you know french fries are one of my favorite things. But, here lately I’ve been on a huge mushroom kick, and recently tested out a new side dish, that helps me curb my french fry craving - mushroom fries.

This super delicious snack, and it’s low carb may I add, is really simple and easy to make. You can deep fry, bake, or air fry this snack, and it truly does not disappoint. The combination of herbs and freshly grated parmesan cheese, is truly a gift.

Check out the recipe below!

What You’ll Need:

• 2 portobello mushroom caps

• 1 cup herb panko breadcrumbs

• 1 cup all purpose flour

• 1 tsp fresh cracked black pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp rosemary

• 1 tsp thyme

• 1 egg

• 1 tbsp water

• canola oil

• a pinch of sea salt

• grated parmesan cheese, for garnish

• parsley, for garnish

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Instructions:

STEP 1: Preheat your deep fryer to 350 degrees.

STEP 2: Rinse off mushroom caps. Cut the stems, trim the edges, and remove the gills from the underside of the vegetable.

STEP 3: Slice mushrooms into strips to your desired width, 1/4 inch is a good rule of thumb.

STEP 4: Combine flour and seasonings: black pepper, garlic powder, rosemary, and thyme into a bowl.

STEP 5: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and water, creating a frothy mixture.

STEP 6: Finally, in a third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs.

STEP 7: Take each mushroom slice and dredge it in seasoned flour, then egg and water mixture, and finally breadcrumbs. Continue this until each mushroom slice is evenly coated.

Pro Tip: The egg and water mixture act as the ‘glue or binder’ for the panko breadcrumbs to stick to the mushroom slice.

STEP 8: Once the cooking vessel is hot, gradually add in the breaded mushroom slices, cooking for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown.

Pro Tip: You can cook these mushroom fries in an air fryer or oven, bake them at 425 degrees for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

STEP 9: Remove mushroom fries from the oil, and put them onto a stack of paper towels, allowing them to drain any excess oil.

STEP 10: Garnish with a touch of sea salt, parsley, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serve and enjoy!

If you are interested in a homemade spicy garlic sauce to accompany the mushroom fries, see the super easy recipe below!

Spicy Garlic Aioli

• 1 large jalapeno

• 1 cup of mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

• 4 peeled cloves of garlic

• 1 teaspoon of red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon of cracked black peppercorn

• A pinch of sea salt

STEP 1: Combine all of your ingredients into a food processor, and blend all of the items until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

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Suggested Wine Pairings

• Pinot Noir

• Sparkling Rosé

• Blanc de Blanc

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XO, Analise

Recipe: Parmesan Herb Homemade French Fries

“French fries and vino are my vices.” - Meghan Markle

One of my indulgences are french fries! It’s always a treat when I make this yummy side dish, and let’s be real, fries are always better when shared with your favorite person.

Hand-cut french fries are always best, and it has been a goal of mine to cut out several of the prepackaged items we typically purchase from the grocery store. Making fresh fries is super easy, and now my preferred option to eat this delicious snack.

Check out how I make them below!

Homemade handcut french fries - seasoned with rosemary, thyme, sea salt, black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese

What You’ll Need:

• 1 bag of russet potatoes

• sea salt

• cracked black peppercorn

• thyme

• rosemary

• grated parmesan cheese

• canola oil (for frying) or olive oil (for oven baked)

Step 1: Begin to cut your russet potatoes at your desired thickness.

Pro Tip: The best way to ensure your fries are at an even consistency is by using a french fry potato cutter - they are inexpensive, and totally worth the investment.

Step 2: After all of the potatoes have been cut, place all of them into a large glass bowl filled with cold water, and place it in the fridge for a minimum of 8 hours.

Pro Tip: By placing your potatoes in cold water and letting them soak it prevents them from turning brown. Also, the most important reason, is that the cold water bath removes excess potato starch. This reduces the risk of the fries from sticking together when cooking and helps achieve super crispy french fries!

Step 3: Get your oil hot - 325 degrees to be exact, and begin adding your french into the cooking vessel. Also, another option is baking your fries. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees, prepare a baking sheet pan with parchment paper, and line up your french fries. Generously add olive oil, desired seasonings, and cook for 20-30 minutes or until they are golden brown.

Pro Tip: Do not overcrowd the vessel, as it will take the fries much longer to cook.

Step 4: Once your fries have a golden brown color to them, begin removing them from the fryer, and onto a stack of paper towels

Pro Tip: Immediately season them once they are out of the fryer - salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary.

Step 5: Plate your fries, and lightly dust them with grated parmesan cheese! Select your favorite dipping sauce (spicy garlic is a personal fave of mine) and enjoy!

All the delicious herbs on top of the crispy french fries

XO, Analise