Imagine a side dish that transforms ordinary sweet potatoes into a culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with excitement! These Cayenne Sweet Potatoes are not just another vegetable recipe – they're a flavor explosion that combines the natural sweetness of potatoes with a bold, spicy kick that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. Perfect for those who love a little heat and want to elevate their meal from boring to extraordinary, this recipe is about to become your new go-to side dish that's as impressive as it is delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under cool running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Using a sharp knife, cut the sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch thick wedges or cubes to ensure even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, drizzle the olive oil over the sweet potato pieces. Sprinkle cayenne pepper and salt evenly across the potatoes. Use your hands to toss and coat the sweet potatoes completely, ensuring each piece is well-seasoned.
- Spread the seasoned sweet potato pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are not overcrowded to allow proper roasting and crispy edges.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through cooking, use a spatula to flip the sweet potatoes to ensure even browning and caramelization.
- Check the sweet potatoes for doneness by piercing with a fork. They should be tender on the inside and have crispy, slightly charred edges.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot as a side dish or appetizer, enjoying the spicy-sweet flavor combination.
Tips
- Cut Uniformly: Ensure all sweet potato pieces are roughly the same size to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture.
- Don't Overcrowd: Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will steam the potatoes instead of roasting them, preventing those delicious crispy edges.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you're sensitive to heat, start with 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne and adjust to taste. For spice lovers, feel free to add an extra pinch!
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh cilantro for garnishing to add a bright, fresh contrast to the spicy-sweet potatoes.
- Serve Immediately: These sweet potatoes are best enjoyed hot, right out of the oven when they're at their crispiest and most flavorful.
- Optional Variations: Try adding garlic powder or smoked paprika for additional depth of flavor, or sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese in the last few minutes of roasting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 172kcal
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 2g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
