Description of this recipe: These Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a simple, yet incredibly flavorful side dish that elevates the humble sweet potato to gourmet status. Diced sweet potatoes are tossed in a luscious mixture of olive oil, honey, cinnamon, salt, and pepper, then roasted to perfection. The result is a tender, caramelized dish with a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Why you will love this recipe: This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes is enhanced by the honey and cinnamon, while the olive oil, salt, and pepper provide a savory counterpoint. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy sweet potatoes. It’s also versatile enough to be served as a side dish for almost any meal, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted to be vegan.
Introduction
Sweet potatoes are nutritional powerhouses, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They’re also incredibly versatile in the kitchen, lending themselves to both sweet and savory preparations. While boiled or mashed sweet potatoes are classic options, roasting them with a honey-cinnamon glaze takes them to a whole new level of deliciousness.
This recipe for Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and techniques. By simply tossing diced sweet potatoes with a few pantry staples and roasting them in a hot oven, you can create a dish that is both incredibly flavorful and visually appealing. The honey caramelizes during roasting, creating a sticky, sweet glaze that coats the sweet potatoes, while the cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic note. The olive oil helps the sweet potatoes to brown beautifully, and the salt and pepper provide a crucial balance to the sweetness.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy side dish, but it’s also elegant enough to serve at a holiday gathering. It’s a great way to introduce kids to the joys of sweet potatoes, and it’s a dish that even picky eaters will enjoy. The optional garnish of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, but it’s not essential.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons honey (use a good quality honey for the best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, chopped
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving the desired caramelization and tenderness of the sweet potatoes. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the sweet potatoes from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with olive oil.
Step 2: Prepare the sweet potatoes. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Peel them using a vegetable peeler, ensuring all the skin is removed. Dice the peeled sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Uniformly sized cubes will ensure even cooking. If the cubes are too large, they will take longer to cook, and if they are too small, they may burn.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the honey is well combined with the olive oil. This mixture will create the flavorful glaze that coats the sweet potatoes during roasting.
Step 4: Add the diced sweet potatoes to the bowl with the honey mixture. Toss until the sweet potatoes are evenly coated with the glaze. Use your hands or a large spoon to ensure that every piece of sweet potato is coated. The more evenly coated the sweet potatoes are, the better they will caramelize during roasting.
Step 5: Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this will steam the sweet potatoes instead of roasting them. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
Step 6: Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized. After 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and stir the sweet potatoes to ensure even roasting. This will prevent some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked. Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue roasting for the remaining 10-15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and have a beautiful caramelized color.
Step 7: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the sweet potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the glaze to thicken slightly and make the sweet potatoes easier to handle.
Step 8: If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. The parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
These Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- With roasted chicken or turkey: The sweetness of the sweet potatoes complements the savory flavors of roasted poultry.
- With grilled pork chops or steak: The caramelized sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness to balance the richness of grilled meats.
- With vegetarian dishes: These sweet potatoes are a delicious addition to vegetarian meals, providing a good source of carbohydrates and nutrients. Try serving them with a vegetarian chili, black bean burgers, or a lentil stew.
- As a holiday side dish: These Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a festive and flavorful addition to any holiday meal. They’re a great alternative to traditional mashed potatoes or stuffing.
- As a topping for salads: Add cooled Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes to your favorite salad for a touch of sweetness and texture. They pair well with spinach salads, kale salads, and mixed green salads.
Tips:
- Choose sweet potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes.
- Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, as this will steam the sweet potatoes instead of roasting them.
- Stir the sweet potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure even roasting.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the honey mixture.
- If you don’t have honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Store leftover Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250 (depending on serving size and amount of honey)
- Protein: 2-3 grams
- Sodium: 150-200 mg (depending on the amount of salt used)
Conclusion
These Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a delicious and easy way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a side dish that is both flavorful and visually appealing. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a festive holiday side dish, this recipe is sure to please. So, grab some sweet potatoes and get ready to experience the magic of honey-roasted perfection!
5 Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I use different types of sweet potatoes for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe is specifically designed for orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, you can certainly experiment with other varieties, such as Japanese sweet potatoes (also known as Murasaki sweet potatoes) or purple sweet potatoes. Keep in mind that different types of sweet potatoes may have slightly different textures and sweetness levels, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For instance, Japanese sweet potatoes tend to be drier and starchier, so they may require a slightly shorter roasting time.
Q2: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Both of these sweeteners will provide a similar level of sweetness and caramelization to the sweet potatoes. Just be sure to use pure maple syrup and not pancake syrup, as pancake syrup often contains artificial ingredients.
Q3: How can I prevent the sweet potatoes from sticking to the baking sheet?
A: To prevent the sweet potatoes from sticking to the baking sheet, it’s crucial to line the baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper creates a non-stick barrier between the sweet potatoes and the baking sheet, making cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray. However, parchment paper is the most effective way to prevent sticking.
Q4: Can I add other spices to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices to customize the flavor of these Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes. Some spices that pair well with sweet potatoes include:
- Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky and slightly spicy flavor.
- Cayenne pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
- Ginger: Adds a warm and aromatic flavor.
- Nutmeg: Adds a warm and nutty flavor.
- Allspice: Adds a complex and warm flavor.
Simply add a pinch of your favorite spices to the honey mixture before tossing with the sweet potatoes.
Q5: How long can I store leftover Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes?
A: Leftover Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for a few minutes or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. They may lose some of their crispness upon reheating, but they will still be delicious. You can also add them to salads or grain bowls for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
