Cajun Butternut Squash Fries

Do you love spicy fries from the pizza shop? Want all the spice without the calories? These baked fries deliver spicy, salty, and slightly sweet flavors all at once, and are a very tasty alternative. Butternut squash is a low-calorie food that contains high levels of fiber and antioxidants. It also provides essential vitamins such as vitamins C, A, B6 and folate, all of which are so important for heart-healthy living.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a baking sheet.

2. Peel and slice the butternut squash into long strips. I recommend using mainly the top part of the squash so that the pieces are symmetrical. Keep in mind that the squash strips will shrink as they bake, so slice them thick so they maintain substance even after they shrink. Place on prepared baking sheet.

3. Spray squash sticks with cooking spray until all pieces are coated. Season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Lightly toss the sticks to coat and spread them evenly on the sheet so that they don’t overlap.

4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the squash sticks have darkened at the edges. Serve warm.

Notes:

Use more or less Cajun seasoning, depending on how spicy you like your fries.