Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that transforms the humble sweet potato into a show-stopping dish that will have your dinner guests begging for the recipe! These Sweet Hasselback Potatoes with Orange Cardamom Cream are not just a side dish – they're a flavor explosion that combines crispy, golden edges with a luxuriously creamy interior, elevated by a sophisticated orange and cardamom cream that will transport your taste buds to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Place each potato between two wooden chopsticks or skewers to prevent cutting all the way through while creating thin, even slices.
- Carefully slice each potato crosswise at 1/8 to 1/4 inch intervals, ensuring you don't cut completely through the bottom. The chopsticks will help you avoid cutting too deep.
- Drizzle olive oil generously over the potatoes, making sure the oil gets between the slices. Use your fingers to gently spread the oil, ensuring each slice is coated.
- Sprinkle salt evenly over the potatoes, again ensuring the seasoning gets between the slices.
- Place the prepared sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. The potatoes should become crispy on the edges and tender in the center.
- While the potatoes are roasting, prepare the orange cardamom cream. In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream, fresh orange zest, and ground cardamom until well combined.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to cool slightly.
- Transfer the roasted sweet potatoes to serving plates and drizzle with the orange cardamom cream just before serving.
- Garnish with additional orange zest or fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately while still warm.
Tips
- Chopstick Trick: Use wooden chopsticks or skewers on either side of the potato while slicing to prevent cutting all the way through. This ensures beautiful, even slices that fan out perfectly during roasting.
- Oil Distribution: Take your time when drizzling and spreading oil between the potato slices. The more evenly you coat each layer, the crispier and more flavorful your potatoes will become.
- Zest Freshness: Always use fresh orange zest for the cream. The vibrant oils in freshly zested orange will provide a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to pre-zested or dried zest.
- Cardamom Tip: If possible, use freshly ground cardamom for the most robust flavor. The difference in taste between pre-ground and freshly ground spices is remarkable.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately while the potatoes are still warm and crispy. The contrast between the hot, crisp potato and the cool, creamy sauce is what makes this dish truly magical.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 330kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 2g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 30mg
