Description
This Sweet and Spicy Mexican Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipe features tender, caramelized sweet potatoes seasoned with a vibrant blend of smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and a hint of cayenne for heat. Finished with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup and fresh cilantro garnish, these roasted sweet potatoes make a flavorful and colorful side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes or wedges
Spice Mix
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s ready for roasting the sweet potatoes evenly.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into bite-sized cubes or wedges to allow for quicker and uniform cooking.
- Mix Spices: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt to create a flavorful spice blend.
- Coat Sweet Potatoes: Add the sweet potato pieces to the bowl and drizzle with honey or maple syrup. Toss everything thoroughly to evenly coat the sweet potatoes with the spice and sweet glaze mixture.
- Arrange for Roasting: Spread the coated sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even roasting.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 30-35 minutes. Flip the sweet potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure they are tender and caramelized on all sides.
- Garnish: Remove the roasted sweet potatoes from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Serve: Serve the sweet potatoes hot, accompanied by lime wedges to squeeze over the top, enhancing the dish with a zesty brightness.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount based on your preferred spice level.
- Use either honey or maple syrup depending on dietary preferences or flavor desired.
- Flip sweet potatoes halfway through roasting to achieve even caramelization.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven to retain crispness.