Inspired by Beet Fries

Our CSA has finally started! I do love all the edible joys that summer brings. Thanks to Stillman’s Farm, we’re enjoying the start of another season of farm fresh produce. Our first box contained a bunch of beautiful, long beets, perfect for beet fries! Ever since our first encounter with Grass Fed, Jamaica Plain’s newest burger bar, I’ve been thinking about their french fry options, including the beet fries. These fries might just have been the best part of our meal there. Seeing as I was just presented with a beautiful bouquet of beets, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to come up with my own approximation of beet fries.

A turkey burger with all the fixings was a perfect accompaniment. I was so hungry by the time that dinner was on the table, that I forgot to take a picture of the finished product. I was pretty pleased with the results. I’ll still visit Grass Fed to see what else they’ve got up their sleeve, but I think I came up with a pretty good home-cooked version of this meal. It had the added benefit of no lines, and being able to eat in my slippers. Second (and third) helpings were included!

Homemade Beet Fries
Ingredients
1 bunch fresh beets (4-5 beets)
2-3 Tbsp. olive oil
Kosher salt
Fresh or dried Thyme

1. Wash and prepare fresh beets by chopping into thin sticks.
2. Preheat oven to 400 F.
3. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper or nonstick liner.
4. Combine beet sticks with olive oil, generous pinch of kosher salt, and good sprinkling of crushed or finely chopped thyme. Stir to evenly coat.

5. Spread beets sticks out on cookie sheet.
6. Bake 30-40 min. until beets are thoroughly cooked and crispy. Cooking time might vary depending on the size of your fries. They should be easily pierced with a fork.

7. Enjoy with a burger, pickle and your favorite toppings.

First week of eating everything in our CSA box is complete!