ROASTED SWEET POTATOES – Page 2

Directions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Try to keep the pieces uniform for even roasting.
Season the Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until they’re well-coated. For added flavor, add cinnamon, paprika, or fresh herbs like rosemary if desired.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the sweet potato cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the pieces are not crowded, which allows them to roast instead of steam.
Roast in Oven: Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. The sweet potatoes are ready when they’re golden brown on the edges and fork-tender.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately as a delicious and nutritious side dish.

Choose Similar-Sized Pieces: Cutting the sweet potatoes into evenly sized cubes ensures they cook at the same rate.
Use High Heat: Roasting at 425°F (220°C) helps caramelize the edges, giving them a deliciously crispy texture.
Experiment with Seasonings: Cinnamon adds warmth, paprika adds a hint of smokiness, and rosemary adds an herby touch. Try different spices to find your favorite flavor combinations.
Flip Halfway Through: Flipping the sweet potatoes halfway through roasting ensures they cook evenly and get browned on all sides.

Spicy Sweet Potatoes: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy kick.
Sweet and Savory Mix: For a sweet and savory twist, drizzle 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey over the sweet potatoes before serving.
Garlic Herb Sweet Potatoes: Toss with minced garlic and fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant, savory flavor.
Add Nuts for Crunch: Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts in the last 10 minutes of roasting for a nutty crunch.

Roasted sweet potatoes store well, making them great for meal prep:

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Roasted sweet potatoes are versatile and pair well with various dishes:

Main Dishes: Serve them alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, or baked fish.
Salad Addition: Add them to a salad with leafy greens, goat cheese, and cranberries for a hearty fall or winter salad.
Grain Bowls: Pair with quinoa, chickpeas, and a drizzle of tahini for a satisfying grain bowl.

For a well-rounded meal experience, pair roasted sweet potatoes with the following drinks:

Wine: A light-bodied red like Pinot Noir complements the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes without overpowering them.
Beer: Try a wheat beer or a pale ale for a refreshing contrast to the sweet and earthy flavors.
Non-Alcoholic: A spiced chai tea or a ginger mocktail can complement the natural sweetness and warmth of roasted sweet potatoes.