Extra-Sweet Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Indulge in the natural sweetness and rich flavors of Extra-Sweet Roasted Sweet Potatoes. This recipe elevates the humble sweet potato into a delectable side dish that will delight your taste buds. The secret to their irresistible taste lies in the preparation: soaking the sweet potatoes in warm water before roasting helps to intensify their sweetness and create a tender texture. Tossed with olive oil and seasoned to perfection, these roasted sweet potatoes are a delightful addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these sweet potatoes will quickly become a family favorite.

SERVES 6 TO 8 

INGREDIENTS:

• 5 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch disks or 1-inch chunks
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Soak the Sweet Potatoes: In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil over high heat.
2. Remove the pot from the heat and add 4 cups of room-temperature (70°F) water.
3. Immediately add the peeled and cut sweet potatoes to the pot, ensuring they are fully submerged.
4. Cover the pot and place it in a warm spot.
5. Let the sweet potatoes stand in the water for at least 1 hour, and up to 3 hours. This soaking process helps intensify their natural sweetness.
6. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: When ready to roast the sweet potatoes, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
7. Drain the soaked sweet potatoes and transfer them to a large bowl.
8. Toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.
9. Season the sweet potatoes to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, enhancing their flavors.
10. Roasting Process: Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes on two rimmed baking sheets, ensuring they are in a single layer for even roasting.
11. Roast the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven until the bottoms are browned, which usually takes about 30 minutes.
12. Carefully flip the sweet potatoes with a thin offset spatula to expose the other side to heat, and roast for an additional 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and beautifully browned.
13. Serving: Once roasted to perfection, transfer the Extra-Sweet Roasted Sweet Potatoes to a serving platter.
14. Serve the sweet potatoes immediately while they are warm and at their flavorful best.

Enjoy the Extra-Sweet Roasted Sweet Potatoes as a delightful side dish alongside a variety of main courses, such as roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a hearty vegetarian stew. The natural sweetness and tender texture of these roasted sweet potatoes will make them a standout favorite at your dining table. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to bring smiles to the faces of everyone enjoying this delicious treat.