Faux potatoes (radishes)...

[mgb4t]

I read somewhere on this site a recipe for faux potatoes using radishes. Someone had suggested cooking them with a slice of bacon to give them more flavour. I tried this and found that it was a little too greasy for me - perhaps I should've drained the fat first? Anyway, I was AMAZED at how much these little critters tasted like potatoes ! Not at all what I expected.

I will definitely make the recipe again only I think that I'll slice the radishes like little french fries and fry them up in a bit of 'I can't believe it's not butter'...

[kaplods]

I shake any veggies with a tablespoon or two of canola or olive oil and shake in a ziploc bag with a couple tablespoons (I buy bulk or you could use the packet) of ranch dressing powder mix (or I mix my own seasonings of garlic and parsley and onion powder).

Then I bake at 425 until they get crispy and carmelized on the edges - usually 35 - 45 minutes.

This is great for radishes, mushrooms, cauliflower, broccoli, small or quartered onions, eggplant, celery, zucchini... (and higher carb veggies like beets, carrots, squashes and potatoes)

[mgb4t]

Wow Colleen ! I never would've thought of that... THANKS ! YUM ! Veggies are my favourite thing to eat and I can never get them in enough different ways.

Tamara

[Ruthxxx]

Mixing your own seasonings is best. Those powdered mixes are loaded with non-SBD stuff and are usually high in salt.

[Barb0522]

And make sure you use turkey bacon if you are flavoring with that. Regular bacon is too high in fat to be allowed.

[mgb4t]

Yikes! I've been eating regular bacon. Not a lot of it, but I've probably had about 8 pieces over the week. I figured if sausage is allowed (chicken and turkey), that bacon would be.... I do like turkey bacon though, so I'm switching right away.

[kissesmomof4]

Do the radishes taste spicy when they are cooked? Can you mash them?

[Ruthxxx]

They are a bit spicy but not as hot as raw. I've never mashed them - I use cauliflower instead of I want a mashed "potato" veggie.

[kaplods]

I buy my bulk herbs and seasonings and seasoning mixes from a store called U-Bake (it's a family owned store, but they're starting to franchise).

The seasoning mixes all list each of the ingredients, and they're pretty much all-natural, some even organic (most from local Amish and Mennonite farms), so it's easy to see if the ingredients are South Beach friendly (most are).

If you can find a similar source for seasonings and mixes (some health food and gourmet shops sell the bulk seasonings), it's really great. The seasonings are not only fresher and less processed, they're usually cheaper too.

[blondiebear]

I like adding Emeril's Essence (minus the salt cuz I'm not a huge fan of salt) to veggies. It really makes them taste yummy!

Ingredients
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
Directions
Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.

[toothlady]

Great idea about the spices! I will save this for future reference also!

~for once, I am excited about grocery shopping....So many great ideas on this site!~

[StepSpen]

I would have never thought to cook radishes! I have a bag in my fridge for salads that I will experiment with tomorrow for dinner!

I agree, toothlady - this site is great for ideas!

[Alice E]

I cook turnips and kohlrabi and you can get them to taste similar to potatoes. I think those fake cauliflower mashed potatoes are horrible. They have a weird consistency, I would rather just eat cooked cauliflower. At least it doesn't feel funny in my mouth.