This dish features sweet potatoes roasted to perfection with honey and a kick of chili. The lime juice adds a zesty zing that really brings it all together!
Sweet and spicy? Yes, please! I love how the honey caramelizes the potatoes just right. Perfect for a side dish, or just munching on while you relax at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the recipe! Their natural sweetness shines through when roasted. If you’re unavailable or prefer another veggie, butternut squash works well too for a similar texture and taste.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my favorite choice for its rich flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use avocado oil or canola oil, which offers a more neutral taste.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps with caramelization. For a vegan option, substitute agave syrup or maple syrup. Just remember, they might change the flavor slightly!
Chili Powder: This spice gives the dish its kick! Feel free to adjust the amount based on your heat preference. You can also use cayenne pepper or even a mix of chili flakes for a different spice profile.
Fresh Cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh touch at the end. If you’re not a fan, parsley or green onions can be great substitutes!
How Do I Perfect the Roasting Technique for Sweet Potatoes?
Roasting sweet potatoes is key to achieving that tender, caramelized texture. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the sugars caramelize, enhancing sweetness.
- Cut the sweet potatoes in half and score the flesh. Scoring allows the honey-chili glaze to penetrate and flavor the potato, so don’t skip this step!
- Brush the sweet potatoes generously. Make sure to get that glaze into the score marks – it makes a big difference in flavor.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway ensures even cooking and caramelization on all sides.
- Check for doneness by piercing with a fork; they should be tender all the way through.
Chili + Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Lime Juice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to roast in the oven. So, the total time needed is around 35-40 minutes! Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven & Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray so the sweet potatoes don’t stick.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Cut them in half lengthwise. Next, take a sharp knife and score the flesh of each half in a crosshatch pattern, being careful not to cut through the skin. This will help the flavors soak in while they roast!
3. Mix the Honey-Chili Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, honey, chili powder, optionally add smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until it’s all well combined—this is what will give your sweet potatoes their delicious flavor!
4. Brush the Sweet Potatoes:
Place the sweet potatoes cut side up on your prepared baking sheet. Generously brush the honey-chili mixture over the flesh of the sweet potatoes, making sure to get into the scored lines for extra flavor.
5. Roast Them Up:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes. Stir the sweet potatoes halfway through to ensure they’re roasting evenly. They’re ready when they’re tender and caramelized!
6. Finish with Lime Juice:
Once roasted, remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and drizzle them with fresh lime juice. The lime adds a fantastic zing!
7. Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top for a fresh touch, and serve with extra lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your tasty chili and honey roasted sweet potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes give a unique flavor, you can use regular potatoes as a substitute. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the roasting time since regular potatoes may take a bit longer to cook, depending on their size.
How Do I Store Leftover Roasted Sweet Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring they stay nice and crispy.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make this dish vegan, simply substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. The flavor will still be delightful and sweet! Just ensure that your ingredients are vegan-friendly.
What Can I Substitute for Smoked Paprika?
If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika or cayenne pepper for a touch of heat. Just remember that cayenne is spicier, so start with a smaller amount and adjust to your taste!
