Try these Daniel Fast friendly fries!

Rutabagas usually get ignored in the produce section. They're not bright and colorful like bell peppers or tomatoes, so most people don't even notice them on the shelf. They have an odd shape and don't look very appetizing at all. However, this "Swedish turnip," as it is sometimes called, will surprise you with its unique flavor and sweet taste.

A rutabaga (roo-tuh-BAY-guh) is a root vegetable with yellowish, orange skin and can be eaten raw or cooked. It's a popular staple food in Sweden, Finland, and Norway, where the long winters are ideal for growing root vegetables and not much else. A rutabaga is most often eaten mashed – sometimes with potatoes and carrots – or baked into casseroles. It's also a popular ingredient in Scandinavian soups.

The next time you're grocery shopping, don't just resort to the same vegetables you eat all the time. Try something different. Put one or two rutabagas in your cart, and make this simple recipe for Daniel Fast friendly fries.

Oven-Baked Rutabaga Fries

1 -1½ pounds rutabaga, peeled
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Instructions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cut rutabaga in half, and place the two halves cut side down. Slice rutabaga vertically into 1/2-inch-thick chips, and then cut into fries about 1/8-inch thick and 3-4 inches long (or whatever size you like).

Transfer fries to a large bowl. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat. Place on an 11 x 17-inch baking sheet that has been covered with parchment paper or rubbed slightly with olive oil. Bake 15 minutes. Flip, and bake another 12-15 minutes, or until rutabaga fries are slightly browned.

Yield: 4 servings (serving size: about 1 cup)

Recipe Notes

• Add dried, crushed rosemary and/or garlic powder for seasoning.
• These fries will not be as crunchy as potato fries, but they're just as good!