To prepare sweet potatoes, here are some common and effective methods:
Baked Sweet Potatoes (Whole)
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (about 200°C).
- Scrub sweet potatoes clean and dry them.
- Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
- Place the potatoes on a baking rack or directly on a baking sheet.
- Bake for about 45 to 55 minutes until the skin is crisp and the inside is tender.
- Optionally, rub with a little oil and season with salt before baking for extra flavor
Baked Sweet Potato Cubes
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) or 425°F (220°C) depending on desired crispiness.
- Peel (optional) and cut sweet potatoes into medium or 1-inch cubes.
- Toss cubes with olive oil and seasonings such as salt, pepper, oregano, or spices like paprika and cumin.
- Spread in a single layer on a baking dish or sheet, ensuring pieces are not crowded.
- Bake for 45 minutes at 350°F or 30 minutes at 425°F, flipping halfway through for even roasting.
- The cubes should be fork-tender with slightly crispy edges
Sweet Potato Wedges
- Cut sweet potatoes into wedges.
- Toss with oil and optional seasonings like harissa, chipotle, or barbecue spice.
- Bake at 200°C (about 400°F) for 35–45 minutes until tender and crisp at the edges.
- Serve with a herbed yogurt or sour cream dip
Tips
- You can leave the skin on or peel sweet potatoes depending on preference; skin adds texture and nutrients.
- To save time, peel and cube sweet potatoes a day ahead and store in the fridge.
- Roasting at higher temperatures (425°F) results in more caramelization and crispiness.
- Seasonings can be simple (salt, pepper, oregano) or more complex with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika for extra flavor
These methods offer versatile ways to enjoy sweet potatoes as a side dish or snack.
