Mean and Lean Zucchini Fries 

Makes 4 servings  

Celebrate the start of spring with this fun and seasonal snack recipe. Zucchini is a mild green vegetable in the squash family that’s sturdy and perfect for baking. For extra flavor, sprinkle grated parmesan or mozzarella cheese on the zucchini sticks in their final minutes of baking and pair with marinara sauce.  

Ingredients  

Cooking spray  

3 medium zucchinis, washed and cut into sticks 

2 egg whites  

1 cup whole wheat flour  

2 tablespoons cornmeal  

1 teaspoon salt  

½ teaspoon ground black pepper  

1 teaspoon garlic powder  

½ teaspoon chili powder optional 

Directions  

1. Preheat the oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. 
2. Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside. 
3. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, garlic powder and chili powder. 
4. In a small bowl, whisk egg whites with a fork for 10 to 15 seconds. 
5. Dip zucchini in egg whites and place in the bag. Shake until zucchini sticks are evenly coated. 
6. Place zucchini on baking sheet, leaving space between each stick. Bake for seven minutes. 
7. Take the baking sheet out. Flip the zucchini and spray lightly with cooking spray. 
8. Return zucchini to the oven. Bake until golden and just tender, about five minutes.  

(Adapted from CHOP’s “Nutrition in the Kitchen” cookbook recipe)