Did you know that February is National Sweet Potato month? That’s one of those holidays food commodities make up to get you to buy their goods. It doesn’t seem necessary, since sweet potatoes aren’t exactly a hard sell (and these Roasted Sweet Potato Slices are a perfect way to enjoy them).
How to Make Roasted Sweet Potato Slices
To make these tasty, nourishing sweet potatoes, you start by slicing the sweet potatoes into generous coins, lightly coat them in olive oil, and bake in a 425 degree oven. You want the outside caramelized and the inside soft. You can tinker with the basic recipe by adding favorite herbs and spices.
How Healthy are Sweet Potatoes?
Luckily, the sweet potato is an easy one to get behind considering its nutritional virtues. It’s at the top spot of the Center for Science in the Public Interest’s list of the best foods to eat. This is not surprising considering that the sweet potato is loaded with carotenoids, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
Variations on Baked Sweet Potato
There are plenty of ways to tinker with this recipe. Here are a few ideas:
- Add several dashes of cayenne, a teaspoon or two of chili/chipotle powder, or a few pinches of chile flakes for a kick of heat.
- Sprinkle the sweet potatoes generously with Everything Bagel Spice.
- Add a teaspoon or two of Ras Al Hanout, Za’atar, Chinese Five Spice, or another favorite spice blend.
- Add a few teaspoons of finely chopped thyme or rosemary.
- Once baked, serve with a favorite dip or dressing, such as my lighter versions of Ranch or Green Goddess.
How to Serve Roasted Sweet Potato Slices
Swap these in for virtually any starchy sides alongside roast chicken, pork or burgers. Their sturdiness also make them a filling option for vegetarian meals with a generous salad. I also like them as an after school snack. I find they disappear from the baking sheet in no time. If you have kids who aren’t quite sold on sweet potatoes, try setting a dish of ketchup on the side and see what happens.
For more easy sweet potato dishes, check out these healthy recipes:
Roasted Sweet Potato Salad Salad by Jessica Levinson
Thick Roasted Sweet Potato Slices
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons favorite herb or spice, such as rosemary, thyme, chili powder, chipotle powder, or paprika (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Wash and dry sweet potatoes. Cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Pile slices in the center of a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Use your hands to toss the potatoes in the oil until evenly coated. Add a few generous pinches of salt, several cracks of black pepper, and herbs/spices (if using) and toss again.
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Transfer half the sweet potatoes to the second baking sheet. Spread them out. Bake until the potatoes are nicely browned on the bottom, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove pans from the oven and using a spatula to flip the slices. Continue to bake until the second side is browned and the potatoes are very tender in the center, another 10 to 15 minutes.
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Serve immediately for maximum crisp
