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Melting Sweet Potatoes

This easy recipe transforms sweet potatoes into a delectable side dish with a unique 'melting' texture. Sliced and tossed with butter, cinnamon, and salt, they're roasted to tender perfection. A final bake with maple syrup creates a beautiful caramelization, finished with a sprinkle of toasted pecans and fresh chives for a balanced sweet and savory profile.
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 people
Calories 1330.1 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Baking Sheet Large enough to arrange potatoes in a single layer
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl For tossing ingredients
  • 1 Vegetable Peeler
  • 1 Sharp Knife For slicing sweet potatoes and chopping garnishes
  • 1 Measuring Spoons

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 4 small sweet potatoes peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Add the potatoes, butter, cinnamon and salt to a medium bowl and toss to coat. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Flip the potatoes, then drizzle with the maple syrup and continue to bake until the potatoes are golden brown and crisp on the outside but soft on the inside, an additional 15 to 18 minutes. Arrange on a platter and sprinkle with the pecans and chives.

Notes

To ensure even cooking and the desired 'melting' texture, slice the sweet potatoes uniformly to 1/2-inch thickness. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet; use two if necessary to allow proper caramelization and prevent steaming, which results in soggy potatoes. For a deeper, nuttier flavor, lightly brown the butter before tossing it with the sweet potatoes. The quality of maple syrup significantly impacts the final taste; opt for a good grade B or dark robust syrup. While chives offer a fresh counterpoint, consider finishing with a sprinkle of toasted pecans and a touch of orange zest or a pinch of smoked paprika for an added layer of complexity. This dish is excellent as a holiday side or a comforting accompaniment to roasted meats.