Vegan Chili Cheese Fries

Ingredients

Fries

• Large Potatoes 0.67 (around 1/3 lb each)
• Avocado Oil 0.33 Tbsp
• Sea Salt 0.08 tsp

Vegan Chili

• Can Lentils 0.33 (15-oz.)
• Chili Powder 1.33 tsp
• Smoked Paprika 0.33 Tbsp
• Apple Cider Vinegar 0.33 Tbsp
• Ketchup 0.33 Tbsp
• Coconut Aminos 0.67 Tbsp
• Cayenne Pepper 0.04 tsp (optional)
• Avocado Oil 0.33 Tbsp

For serving

• Easy Vegan Cheddar Cheese To taste
• Quick Pickled Onions Or Pickled Jalapeños Optional
• Vegan Sour Cream Optional
• Green Onions Optional
• Cilantro Optional

Preparation

Prepare the Fries

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Place sliced potatoes on a baking sheet and toss with oil and salt. Ensure no fries are overlapping.

• Bake for 20-25 minutes until they start browning on the bottom, then toss and bake for another 8-10 minutes until they are tender and crispy

Prepare the Vegan Chili

• Add lentils to a mixing bowl along with chili powder, smoked paprika, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, coconut aminos and cayenne (optional) and toss until evenly coated.

• Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add avocado oil and the lentil mixture ensuring an even layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes undisturbed until it starts sizzling and bubbling. Flip sections to brown the other side for another 3 minutes until the mixture looks darkened and chili-like

Assemble the dish

• Add fries to your plate. Top it up with the lentil chili followed by the vegan cheddar cheese sauce. Garnish with pickled onions, vegan sour cream, green onions, and cilantro if desired

Suggestions

Use of Vegan Cheese

If you are new to vegan cooking, replacing cheese might seem daunting. But there's no need to fret, cashews are a popular ingredient in the vegan community used to replace dairy. When soaked and blended, they become incredibly creamy, perfect for a cheese-like sauce. For color and an added hint of sweetness, we add carrots.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chili and vegan cheddar can be stored separately in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or in the freezer up to a month. This will come in handy during the week when you are in need of a quick, satisfying meal.

Getting the Perfect Crisp on the Fries

To achieve the perfect crispy fry, it's essential to make sure the potatoes are spread out evenly on the baking tray. Overlapping leads to steaming and soggy fries. Tossing halfway through the cook time ensures all sides get evenly crisped.

Frequent Questions

Can I use any other type of potato for the fries?

Yukon gold or russet potatoes are recommended for this recipe for their starch content. These potatoes will give you the crispiest result. However, in a pinch, you can use other varieties but the texture might vary.

What can I replace lentils with?

Lentils are chosen for their high protein and fibre content. But, you can replace them with other protein-rich legumes such as cooked or canned black beans or chickpeas.

Can I use store-bought vegan cheese?

Absolutely. While homemade cashew-carrot cheese is a healthier option, if you're pressed for time, feel free to use store-bought vegan cheese. Just remember to check the ingredient list for any potential allergens.

Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Of course! Adding grated vegetables like zucchini or carrot to the chili can make it more substantial and add extra nutrients. Just remember to cook them thoroughly.

What can be served alongside this dish?

Vegan Chili Cheese Fries are quite filling on their own, but for a balanced meal, you can serve them with a simple mixed greens salad or steamed vegetables to round out the plate.