Indulge your taste buds with a tantalizing dish of Chili Cheese Fries that satisfy your cravings and offer many health benefits. Imagine a savoury combination of crisp potato wedges, wholesome walnut halves, protein-packed red kidney beans, vibrant yellow capsicum, earthy mushrooms, tangy diced tomatoes, and rich tomato paste cooked to perfection. Adding depth to this dish are the smoky notes of paprika, the warm spice of cumin, and a hint of heat from cayenne pepper, all combined to create a symphony of flavours.
The star of this dish is the luxurious cashew cheesy sauce that adds a creamy and decadent element to the Chili Cheese Fries. Made from nutrient-dense cashews, this dairy-free sauce not only elevates the taste but also provides a healthy dose of essential fats, proteins, and vitamins.
But the goodness doesn’t stop there! Here are some health benefits of the key ingredients in this delectable creation:
Potatoes: Rich in potassium and fibre, potatoes help promote digestive health and provide a sustainable source of energy.
Walnuts: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts are great for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation in the body.
Red Kidney Beans: A fantastic source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and folate, red kidney beans support muscle growth, aid in digestion, and help regulate blood sugar levels.
Yellow Capsicum: High in vitamin C and antioxidants, yellow capsicum boosts immunity, supports skin health, and helps in fighting inflammation.
Mushrooms: A nutritional powerhouse, mushrooms are low in calories and rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that contribute to overall well-being and immune support.
Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Packed with lycopene, vitamins A and C, and potassium, tomatoes promote heart health, skin health, and provide an array of essential nutrients.
Cashews: are rich in healthy fats, protein, and minerals like magnesium and zinc. They support heart health, aid in weight management, and contribute to bone strength.
Indulge in these Chili Cheese Fries guilt-free while reaping the myriad health benefits of this mouthwatering dish.
Chilli Cheese Fries
Ingredients
Chilli Wedges
- 6 potatoes, cut into wedges
- ½ cup walnut halves
- 400gm tin red kidney beans
- 1 yellow capsicum (bell pepper) chopped
- 5 med mushrooms chopped
- 400gm tin diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
Cheesy Sauce
- ½ cup cashews
- 1 tsp salt (optional)
- ¼ cup savoury yeast flakes
- ⅓ cup yellow capsicum (bell pepper) finely diced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp tahini
Instructions
Cheesy Sauce
- Blend until smooth and set aside
Chilli Wedges
- Wash the potatoes, cut into chips and lay them out in a single layer on a couple of baking trays. Season generously. Bake at 190°C for about 30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Meanwhile, add the walnuts, kidney beans, chopped pepper, and mushrooms to a food processor, and pulse a few times. You want to end up with a coarse mince - don't allow it to become completely smooth, but you don't want too many large chunks to remain either. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides a couple of times before pulsing the food processor another few times.
- Transfer the bean mixture to a saucepan, and add the tin of tomatoes, tomato puree, and spices. Bring to a gentle simmer, and allow to cook for around 10 minutes, stirring regularly, until the mixture has darkened to become a richer colour.
- Pile the cooked chips up on one baking tray, and spoon the chilli over the top. Finish by pouring the cheesy sauce over and top with your choice of toppings.
