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Sweet Potatoes with JalapeƱo and Cilantro
I finally stopped treating sweet potatoes like a holiday-only side dish after realizing they roast faster than I thought. The key is tossing them in just enough oil to coat, not drown, so they crisp up instead of steaming.
Ingredients
Method
- Prep the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 425Ā°F (220Ā°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Toss the potatoes: In a large bowl, combine the sweet potato cubes, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss until every piece is evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure there is space between the cubes; overcrowding will cause them to steam rather than roast.
- Roast: Place the pan in the oven and roast for 25ā30 minutes. Halfway through (around the 15-minute mark), flip or stir the potatoes to ensure even browning on all sides. They are done when they are tender when pierced with a fork and have crispy, caramelized edges.
- Mix in aromatics: While the potatoes roast, place the diced jalapeƱo and chopped cilantro in a small bowl. Add the lime juice and stir to combine.
- Serve: Transfer the hot roasted sweet potatoes to a serving platter or large bowl. Immediately drizzle the lime-jalapeƱo-cilantro mixture over the top and toss gently to distribute. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
The jalapeƱo adds a sharp kick that cuts through the natural sweetness, while fresh cilantro brightens everything up at the last second. Itās become my go-to for busy evenings because it requires almost no active time and tastes like you spent hours on it.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to restore crispiness; microwaving will make them soft.
Substitutions: If you prefer less heat, remove all seeds and ribs from the jalapeƱo before dicing. You can also swap cilantro for parsley if itās not to your taste, though cilantro really highlights the citrus notes here.
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