Description
Crispy roasted sweet potatoes reveal a delightful blend of herbs and spices from Mediterranean cuisine. Salt, olive oil, and rosemary create a simple yet elegant side dish perfect for home cooks seeking flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large sweet potatoes (1.5 lbs or 680 g, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes)
- 2 tbsps olive oil (or melted butter for extra richness)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (adds warmth and depth, optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin (for an earthy kick, optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for extra crispiness, optional but recommended)
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
- Honey or maple syrup drizzle (optional, for a sweet-savory contrast)
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional, for a creamy touch)
Instructions
- Cleanse and Cube: Meticulously wash sweet potatoes, eliminating all dirt, then slice into uniform bite-sized cubes to guarantee consistent cooking and texture.
- Season and Coat: Transfer cubes to a generous mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, massaging thoroughly. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin across potatoes, then dust with cornstarch, gently tumbling to create an even, crispy-inducing layer.
- Prepare Oven: Heat oven to 425°F (220°C), ensuring optimal temperature for achieving golden, crunchy exteriors. Strategically arrange potato cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining slight spacing between pieces to maximize air circulation and crispness.
- Roast and Transform: Bake for 25-30 minutes, utilizing tongs to flip midway, ensuring uniform browning. Watch for a rich golden-brown color and crispy edges that signify perfect doneness.
- Elevate and Serve: Optional enhancement includes sprinkling fresh parsley or cilantro for vibrant color, or drizzling honey/maple syrup for subtle sweetness. Consider crumbling feta or goat cheese for a creamy, tangy contrast. Serve immediately while potatoes maintain peak crispiness and robust flavors.
Notes
- Optimize Potato Size: Cut cubes precisely 1-inch thick to guarantee uniform cooking and maximum crispiness across all pieces.
- Prevent Moisture Buildup: Pat sweet potatoes completely dry before seasoning to eliminate excess water, which prevents achieving a crunchy exterior.
- Master Cornstarch Technique: Apply cornstarch sparingly and shake off excess to create a light, crispy coating without making potatoes gummy or dense.
- Temperature Control: Use high oven heat (425°F) and maintain proper spacing between potato cubes to ensure direct heat circulation and golden-brown edges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg