Mothers often complain they can’t get their youngsters to eat their vegetables. Those same mothers might be able to get their children to eat fresh vegetables, like carrot or celery sticks, especially if there’s a favorite dip to go with them, but convincing them to eat cooked veggies is another story.
There’s one choice, however, the kiddos might just love – fried shoestring carrots. If your kids enjoy French fries, they’ll love these! And, like French fries, the carrots can be dipped in ranch dressing.
To make the recipe, I take whole carrots and cut them in half across the center and then take a hand-held, old-fashioned vegetable grater, and, using the side that slices, rake the whole carrot against it, making long shreds. The original recipe calls for 10 cups of shredded carrots, but I cut the recipe in half and still have enough to serve four or five. If you desire more, simply double this recipe.
If you’re looking for an alternative to French fried potatoes, these are just the thing. The coating on the carrots completely masks the taste of the vegetable and they’re great with a meal or just as a snack.
FRIED SHOESTRING CARROTS
1 cup self-rising flour
3/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
5 cups shredded carrots
In a large bowl, whisk the flour, water, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt and pepper until smooth.
Stir in carrots. In a small bowl, combine the remaining salt and seasoned salt and set aside.
In a deep iron skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 375 degrees. Drop forkfuls of carrot mixture, a few at a time, into the hot oil; cook for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown, stirring frequently. Drain on paper towels; sprinkle with remaining salt/seasoned salt mixture. Serve hot.
Note: As a substitute for each cup of self-rising flour, place 1 1/2 teaspoons full of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a measuring cup. Add all-purpose flour to measure 1 cup.
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Looking for a recipe you can’t find? Email me at kbrotherton42@gmail.com and I’ll see if I have it.
