Roasted Sweet Potatoes!

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Total Time: 40-50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes (any variety, such as orange, purple, or white)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, paprika, cinnamon, or dried rosemary (for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the sweet potatoes:

   • Wash and peel the sweet potatoes (you can also leave the skin on for extra nutrients and texture).

   • Cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized cubes (about 1-inch pieces). This ensures they cook evenly.

3. Season the sweet potatoes:

   • Place the sweet potato cubes in a large bowl.

   • Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.

   • Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings (garlic powder, paprika, cinnamon, or rosemary) you prefer. Toss again to coat evenly.

4. Roast the sweet potatoes:

   • Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t overcrowded to ensure they roast evenly.

   • Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. The sweet potatoes are done when they are golden brown and fork-tender.

5. Serve:

   • Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and serve immediately as a side dish, or enjoy them as a healthy snack.

Tips & Variations:

• Flavor Variations: You can experiment with different seasonings like cumin, chili powder, or a drizzle of honey for a sweet touch.

• Crispier Sweet Potatoes: For crispier edges, try spreading the sweet potatoes out on the baking sheet without overlapping them.

• Add-ins: Add some chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro after roasting for a fresh touch.

• Sweet or Savory: You can top them with a sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon for a sweeter flavor or a squeeze of lemon and a dash of chili powder for something savory.

Q&A Section:

Q1: Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?

• Answer: It’s up to you! You can peel them if you prefer a smoother texture, but leaving the skin on adds fiber and nutrients.

Q2: Can I use other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips?

• Answer: Yes! Carrots, parsnips, or even beets can be roasted alongside sweet potatoes. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Q3: Can I prep the sweet potatoes ahead of time?

• Answer: Yes, you can peel, chop, and season the sweet potatoes ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before roasting.

Q4: How can I store leftovers?

• Answer: Store any leftover roasted sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven for best results or in the microwave.

Q5: Can I freeze roasted sweet potatoes?

• Answer: Yes! After roasting, let the sweet potatoes cool completely and store them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, roast or microwave them directly from frozen.

Nutritional Information (per serving) (approximately):

• Calories: 120-150 kcal

• Carbs: 28g

• Protein: 2g

• Fat: 4g

• Fiber: 4g