Black Bean Burgers, Sweet Potato Fries and Side Salad

Ingredients

• 700 g Sweet Potato (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch (key for crispiness)
• 1 tsp Paprika (use smoked paprika for extra flavor)
• 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder
• 0.75 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish (optional))

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into uniform fries, about 1/4-inch thick. For maximum crispiness, place the cut fries in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour). This removes excess starch.

3. 3

   Drain the soaked fries thoroughly. Pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is critical, as any moisture will prevent them from getting crispy.

4. 4

   In a large, dry bowl, toss the fries with olive oil until evenly coated. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix over the oiled fries and toss well until every fry is lightly coated.

5. 5

   Arrange the seasoned fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are not touching or overlapping to allow for proper air circulation. Use two baking sheets if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

6. 6

   Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully flip the fries using a spatula.

7. 7

   Return the fries to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges.

8. 8

   Remove from the oven. Let them cool for a minute on the baking sheet, then garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Ingredients

• 1 large head Romaine Lettuce (Washed, dried, and chopped)
• 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (Halved)
• 1 medium Cucumber (Peeled and sliced)
• 1 medium Carrot (Shredded)
• 0.25 small Red Onion (Thinly sliced)
• 1 cup Croutons (Use your favorite store-bought or homemade)
• 0.5 cup Ranch Dressing (Or more, to taste)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Vegetables (10 minutes)

   • Thoroughly wash the romaine lettuce leaves. Dry them completely using a salad spinner or by patting with paper towels. This is crucial for a crisp salad.
   • Chop the dried lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a large salad bowl.
   • Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes, peel and slice the cucumber, shred the carrot, and thinly slice the red onion.
   • Add all prepared vegetables to the bowl with the lettuce.
2. 2

   Combine the Salad Base (2 minutes)

   • Gently toss the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, carrot, and red onion together in the bowl.
   • Ensure all the vegetables are evenly distributed. At this point, you can cover and refrigerate the salad for up to 4 hours if preparing ahead.
3. 3

   Dress and Serve (3 minutes)

   • Just before you are ready to serve, add the croutons to the salad bowl.
   • Drizzle the ranch dressing over the salad.
   • Toss gently until all ingredients are lightly and evenly coated.
   • Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the lettuce and the crunch of the croutons.