๐ ๐ถ๏ธ Alton Brown’s Chipotle Smashed Sweet Potatoes ๐ ๐ถ๏ธ
History:
Alton Brown’s Chipotle Smashed Sweet Potatoes is a delectable side dish known for its perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors. This dish is a creation of Alton Brown, a renowned American television personality, celebrity chef, and author. Alton Brown is known for his scientific approach to cooking, and this recipe reflects his innovative and flavorful cooking style.
Components:
- Sweet Potatoes: The star ingredient of this dish is sweet potatoes. They are known for their natural sweetness and nutritional value.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: Chipotle peppers add a smoky and spicy kick to the sweet potatoes. They are typically canned in adobo sauce, which provides a rich and complex flavor.
- Butter: Butter is used for creaminess and flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar enhances the sweetness of the sweet potatoes and balances the spiciness of the chipotle peppers.
- Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall taste.
Steps to Prepare:
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Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). While the oven is heating, wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly. You can peel them if desired, but leaving the skins on adds a rustic texture.
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Roasting Sweet Potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast them in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until they are tender. You can check for doneness by piercing them with a fork; they should be soft and easily pierced.
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Prepare Chipotle Butter: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the chipotle butter. In a small saucepan, melt a generous amount of butter over low heat. Add finely chopped chipotle peppers (adjust the amount to your preferred level of spiciness) and brown sugar to the melted butter. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved and the chipotle peppers are evenly incorporated.
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Mash Sweet Potatoes: Once the sweet potatoes are done roasting, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, peel the skins off (if you didn’t do so earlier) and place the cooked sweet potatoes in a mixing bowl. Mash them using a potato masher or a fork.
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Mix with Chipotle Butter: Pour the prepared chipotle butter mixture over the mashed sweet potatoes. Gently fold and mix until the chipotle butter is evenly distributed, giving the dish its signature smoky-spicy flavor.
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Season and Serve: Taste the mashed sweet potatoes and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. You can also add more brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter taste. Serve the Chipotle Smashed Sweet Potatoes hot as a side dish to complement your meal.
Time Needed:
- Preparation Time: Approximately 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour for roasting sweet potatoes
- Total Time: About 1 hour and 15 minutes
This dish is perfect for those who enjoy the delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors. It’s a versatile side dish that pairs well with various main courses and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Enjoy! ๐ด๐ฅ
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and health information for Alton Brown’s Chipotle Smashed Sweet Potatoes:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values per Serving):
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (about 100 grams)
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3 grams
- Cholesterol: 12 milligrams
- Sodium: 230 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 25 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugars: 9 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Vitamin A: 220%
- Vitamin C: 4%
- Calcium: 2%
- Iron: 3%
Health Information:
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Rich in Vitamin A: Sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of beta-carotene, a type of vitamin A that is essential for eye health, immune function, and skin health. A serving of this dish provides a significant portion of your daily vitamin A needs.
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Moderate Calories: This side dish is relatively low in calories, making it a suitable addition to a balanced diet. It can help you feel full and satisfied without excessive calorie intake.
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Dietary Fiber: The sweet potatoes in this dish provide dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
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Spice and Flavor: The chipotle peppers add a spicy kick to the sweet potatoes. While spice can be subjective, moderate consumption of spicy foods may boost metabolism and offer temporary pain relief.
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Low in Protein: This dish is not a significant source of protein, so be sure to include other protein-rich foods in your meal for a well-rounded diet.
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Low Sodium Option: The sodium content is moderate, which can be helpful for individuals monitoring their sodium intake. You can further control the salt content by adjusting it to your preference.
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Natural Sweetness: The sweetness of sweet potatoes comes from natural sugars, which are a healthier alternative to added sugars found in many processed foods.
Remember that individual nutritional needs may vary based on factors like age, gender, activity level, and overall dietary goals. This dish can be a nutritious addition to your meal, especially when combined with a variety of other vegetables and proteins for a well-balanced diet.
