How to Make Perfectly Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Tired of the same old potatoes? If you’re looking for a simple way to jazz up your meals, roasted sweet potatoes are a fantastic choice. They’re tasty, easy to cook, and bring a lovely colour to your plate. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness, making them a delicious side dish for any occasion.
This guide will walk you through how to make delicious, roasted sweet potatoes that are soft on the inside and just right on the outside.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s Simple: You only need a few basic ingredients.
- It’s Healthy: Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins.
- It’s Delicious: Roasting makes them sweet and savoury.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 large sweet potatoes: Look for ones with smooth, firm skin.
- 3 tablespoons of oil: Olive oil, rapeseed oil, or sunflower oil all work well.
- 3 teaspoons of minced garlic: You can use fresh garlic or the kind from a jar.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
First things first, heat your oven to 220°C (or 200°C for a fan oven). This high temperature is key to getting the sweet potatoes nicely roasted.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Give your sweet potatoes a good wash and peel them. Then, chop them into chunky, evenly-sized pieces, about 2 inches (or 5 cm) wide. This helps them cook at the same rate.
Step 3: Coat with Oil and Seasoning
Put the chopped sweet potatoes into a large bowl. Pour the oil over them. Add a good pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands or a large spoon to mix everything together until each piece is lightly coated in oil.
Step 4: First Round of Roasting
Spread the sweet potatoes out on a large baking tray. Make sure they’re in a single layer and not too crowded. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of roast.
Put the tray in the hot oven and bake for 25 minutes.
Step 5: Flip and Add Garlic
After 25 minutes, take the tray out of the oven. Use a spatula to flip the sweet potato pieces over. This helps them cook evenly on all sides.
Now, sprinkle the minced garlic over the potatoes.
Step 6: Final Roasting
Put the tray back in the oven for another 20 minutes. The sweet potatoes should be soft on the inside and lightly browned on the edges. Let them cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy your roasted sweet potatoes!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to peel the sweet potatoes?
No, you don’t have to. The skin is safe to eat and contains extra fibre. Just make sure you scrub them well before cooking. The skin will get a bit chewy when roasted.
How do I store leftover roasted sweet potatoes?
Let them cool completely, then put them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave.
Can I add other spices?
Of course! Smoked paprika, cumin, or a pinch of chilli powder are all great additions. Add them in Step 3 along with the salt and pepper. You could also try herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Why aren’t my sweet potatoes crispy?
Sweet potatoes have more moisture than regular potatoes, so they tend to be softer when roasted. To make your roasted sweet potatoes a bit crispier, make sure they are well-spaced on the baking tray and that your oven is hot enough.
