James Kenji Lopez-Alt
patreon
The Easiest Roast Sweet Potatoes
🕑 Added 2023-10-30 20:28:56 +0000 UTCThis recipe is a simplified version of my roast sweet potato from Serious Eats: https://www.seriouseats.com/the-best-roasted-sweet-potatoes-thanksgiving-sides-the-food-lab-recipe
In that recipe, you soak the sweet potatoes in warm water for an hour to activate enzymes that transform starches into simple sugars. In this version, I skip that soak, roast at a higher temperature, and add a couple teaspoons of maple syrup to the finished potatoes to add a bit of flavor and sweetness.
Active time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Serves 6
2 pounds (1kg) peeled or skin-on sweet potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch slices
3 tablespoons (45ml) extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
A few thyme or rosemary sprigs
2 teaspoons (10ml) maple syrup
Directions
1. Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place rimmed sheet pan on the rack to preheat. Toss sweet potatoes with oil and season with salt and pepper. When the oven is preheated, take out the sweet pan and add the potatoes, spreading them into a single layer (as best you can). Scatter the thyme or rosemary sprigs on top.
2. Roast until the sweet potatoes are tender and lightly caramelized, 20 to 30 minutes. Transfer the potatoes to a bowl, add the maple syrup and toss to coat. Season to taste with more salt and pepper if needed, and serve.
Comments
Johnny Sheeley
What's your new camera setup? Seems sweet!
Tommy F.
Will the leftover "Hot Pocket" recipe be included here (Patreon)?
Tim Chen
FYI I've seen conflicting numbers on best temperatures to activate the amylase in sweet potatoes but this study seems pretty clearly to find that 167*F is better than 150*F: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5694867/#:~:text=Five%20temperatures%20(55%C2%B0C,to%20be%2075%C2%B0C
Tim Chen
How come you don’t line your sheet pans with foil? Does foil affect results or do you find it easier/less wasteful without it?
James Kenji Lopez-Alt
Absolutely yes. I've tested that!
Joe Freedman
Could you sous vide the sweet potato at 150 to activate the sweet enzyme?
