As I sit criss-cross on the floor, I am surrounded by boxes, empty walls and a golden retriever.  The morning sun is pouring through the windows and the coffee pot is the last remnant in the kitchen.  Well, were off to another adventure of temporarily moving to San Diego for the summer and fall so that me and the pup can be closer to my husband’s work.  Life in the military has truly taught me that home is wherever you make it, your belongings are just things that can be put into storage, and that the most important part of life is being close to the ones you love.

This past month, I have been attempting to use up everything in my kitchen as I seem to have more spices, butter and sauces than clothes in my closet.  So enter the little bottle of balsamic glaze, a rich, thick sweet sauce which tastes like candy to me.  I have been adding it to anything and everything and it quickly transforms a meal into a delicious masterpiece with just a drizzle and drip!  These Greek inspired sweet potatoes create a colorful, fancy yet healthy side dish that everyone will enjoy.  Comfort food at its finest—trust me, these will disappear quickly and have you wanting to lick all the balsamic glaze!

Sweet potatoes are a weekly staple in our house, but I like to make them fancy turning these nutritious root vegetables into nachos, fritters or just roasting them with a side of eggs and bacon.  These orange vegetables create a fabulous side dish adding pops of color to your table.  Plus you can’t go wrong with crumbling salty feta, sprinkling fresh green basil and drizzling rich balsamic glaze.  I love dishes that can be placed in the center of the table with everyone reaching in to grab a crispy sweet potato fry.  Enjoy this grain free and paleo summer side dish, passing and sharing around the table!

Greek Style Sweet Potato Fries with Balsamic Glaze {grain free, paleo}

Crispy sweet potato fries made fancy with salty feta cheese crumbles, fresh basil and rich balsamic glaze. A grain and gluten free delicious side dish.

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes or yams
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Celtic sea salt
• 1/4 tsp garlic granules
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 8 oz feta cheese (omit for Paleo)
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives
• 8-10 fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp balsamic reduction or glaze

Directions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Thinly slice sweet potatoes into skinny fry-like slices.  Toss with olive oil salt and spices, coating but not drenching with oil.
• Place on baking sheets with room in-between each fry (this helps them crisp in the oven).
• Bake for 35 minutes, rotating half way through, or until fries begin to crisp and turn golden brown.
• While fries are baking, crumble feta cheese, slice olives and basil.
• Remove fries from oven, topping with cheese, olives, basil and a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze.
• Serve and enjoy!

This & That

• Feta cheese is typically made from sheep’s milk or a combination of goat and sheep’s milk.  It also comes as a cow’s milk cheese, but if you are sensitive to cow’s milk try a sheep or goat milk feta, which tastes fabulous!  If you cannot handle any dairy, simply omit the cheese.
• Balsamic glaze can easily be made by simmering and reducing balsamic vinegar, but I keep a bottle from Trader Joe’s on hand for a quick, easy option as it adds so much flavor to your dish!

Shared with Gluten Free Wednesdays