Get ready to transform your ordinary side dish into a culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance! These Sweet and Spicy Sweet Potatoes are not just a recipe; they're a flavor adventure that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of potatoes with a bold, fiery kick. Whether you're a spice enthusiast or someone looking to elevate their dinner game, this recipe promises to turn heads and impress even the most discerning palates.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even cooking.
- Wash sweet potatoes thoroughly under cool running water, scrubbing gently with a vegetable brush to remove any dirt. Pat dry completely with clean kitchen towels.
- Cut sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring pieces are roughly the same size to guarantee even roasting and consistent texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, salt, and paprika. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, well-integrated spice mixture.
- Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the spice mixture, tossing thoroughly to ensure each potato piece is evenly coated with the seasoning blend.
- Spread the seasoned sweet potato cubes in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded to allow proper caramelization.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking to promote even browning and prevent sticking.
- Check doneness by piercing a potato cube with a fork; it should be tender and easily pierced but not mushy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow slight cooling and further caramelization of the sugars.
- Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy while warm, garnishing with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Size Matters: Cut your sweet potato cubes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent caramelization.
- Don't Overcrowd: Use a large baking sheet and spread potatoes in a single layer to achieve crispy edges instead of steaming.
- Spice Adjustment: Sensitive to heat? Reduce cayenne pepper to 1/2 teaspoon for a milder version.
- Extra Crispiness Hack: Pat sweet potatoes completely dry before seasoning to help them achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior.
- Serving Suggestion: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for added color and a fresh flavor boost.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the spice mixture and cut potatoes up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 125kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
