Chili Cheese Fries From Scratch

Ingredients

Fries

• 5-6 potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
• 1 tbsp coconut sugar or regular sugar
• cooking spray

Seasonings for the fries:

• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• sea salt and pepper to taste

Chili

• 1 medium/big onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 small/medium carrot, grated
• 5-6 medium diced fresh tomatoes 
• 6 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 4 cups cooked or canned beans 
• 2 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cumin 
• 1 tsp onion powder,
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper,
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp hot chili powder
• 1-2 hot red chili peppers 
• 2 tsp oil or water for frying
• Cheese of your choice

Instructions

• Peel the potatoes and cut them into about 1/2 inch-wide sticks. (I used a crinkle cut knife).
• Place potato sticks in a bowl, sprinkle sugar over them. Set aside until liquid is released from the potatoes (20-25 minutes).
• After 15 minutes, preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 C) and line 1 large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray with cooking spray.
• Drain liquid from potatoes and dry them well with kitchen paper.
• Coat fries with the seasonings. You can also use cooking spray on them to make them even crispier but they also turn out crispy without oil.
• Spread the fries into a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for about 30-40 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through. You can also use an air fryer and it will take less time (about 25 minutes at 400 degrees F).
• Meanwhile, start making the chili. In a large pan or pot over medium heat, add in the oil. Sauté the onion and pepper for about 3-4 minutes, add the garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Mix in the tomatoes and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
• Now add all remaining ingredients, increase the heat and simmer for about 30-40 until thickened, stirring occasionally.
• Serve the fries on a plate, ladle some chili over them and top with a layer of cheese. Garnish with fresh herbs.
• Enjoy immediately!

Source: Elavegan