Spicy Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Overview
These Spicy Sweet Potato Fries are a delightful twist on the classic side dish, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Whether you’re preparing them for a casual lunch or a tasty snack, this recipe promises to elevate your culinary experience with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories per serving: 237.5 kcal
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tsp coarse salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for tossing)
- 1 sprig fresh thyme, leaves only
- 1 tsp salt (for seasoning)
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C).
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Prepare potatoes: Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Cut them into wedges or sticks of uniform size, about 1/2 inch thick.
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Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sweet potato wedges with extra virgin olive oil, chopped rosemary, coarse salt, red pepper flakes, olive oil (for tossing), fresh thyme leaves, salt (for seasoning), ground cumin, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Toss well until the sweet potato wedges are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
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Season: Taste the mixture and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference. Remember that the potatoes will shrink slightly during baking, concentrating the flavors.
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Arrange on baking sheet: Grease a baking sheet lightly to prevent sticking. Arrange the seasoned sweet potato wedges in a single layer on the baking sheet. For crispier fries, ensure there is space between each wedge.
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Bake: Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potato fries are crispy on the outside and tender inside. Turn the fries once halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
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Serve: Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these spicy sweet potato fries hot, with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish to complement any meal.
Tips for Perfect Spicy Sweet Potato Fries
- Uniformity is key: Cut the sweet potatoes into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust spice levels: If you prefer milder or spicier fries, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes accordingly.
- Crispiness: For extra crispy fries, make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the fries, promoting crispness.
- Serve immediately: These fries are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they are at their crispiest.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 237.5 kcal
- Fat: 20.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 836 mg
- Carbohydrates: 13.6 g
- Fiber: 2.2 g
- Sugar: 2.8 g
- Protein: 1.1 g
Recipe Variations
- Regular Potatoes: You can easily substitute sweet potatoes with regular potatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as oregano, parsley, or basil for unique flavor combinations.
- Cheese Topping: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese on the fries during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.
Serving Suggestions
These Spicy Sweet Potato Fries are versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes. Serve them alongside burgers, sandwiches, grilled chicken, or as a standalone snack with a creamy dip like garlic aioli or spicy mayo. They also make a great addition to brunch menus or as a tasty option for game day gatherings.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to spice up your snack time or add a flavorful side to your meals, these Spicy Sweet Potato Fries are sure to please. With their crispy exterior, tender interior, and bold seasoning, they are a crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself making again and again. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of homemade fries with this easy-to-follow recipe!
