Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes

$To make maple pecan roasted sweet potatoes, you need a few simple ingredients. Each one adds flavor and texture to the dish. - 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg - Sea salt to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) Sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness and a creamy texture. The maple syrup adds a rich, sweet flavor, while the pecans add crunch. Olive oil helps everything roast nicely. The spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, create warmth and depth. Fresh parsley brightens the dish and makes it look pretty. These ingredients come together to create a dish that is not only tasty but also simple to prepare. You can find them at your local grocery store. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish special. Enjoy the process of gathering them! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Parchment paper helps keep the sweet potatoes from sticking to the pan. It also makes cleanup a breeze. Line a large baking sheet with it to prepare for roasting. Next, peel and dice the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. This size helps them cook evenly. Place the diced sweet potatoes in a large bowl. Now, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of grated nutmeg, and a pinch of sea salt. Mix everything well. Make sure each cube is coated in that sweet, spicy goodness. Spread the sweet potato mix onto your baking sheet. Keep space between the cubes for even roasting. Place the sheet in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Stir the sweet potatoes halfway through. Look for a fork to easily pierce them. They should have a nice caramelized color. For the last 10 minutes, sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped pecans over the sweet potatoes. This timing lets the pecans toast lightly. Their flavor will become richer and nuttier. Watch closely to avoid burning. Once the sweet potatoes are done, take them out of the oven. Let them cool for a couple of minutes. For a lovely finish, garnish with finely chopped parsley. This adds a fresh look and a pop of color. Enjoy your delicious maple pecan roasted sweet potatoes! To make your sweet potatoes fork-tender, cut them into even 1-inch cubes. This helps them cook at the same rate. Roasting at a high temperature, like 425°F, aids in getting that perfect texture. Stir the sweet potatoes halfway through to avoid soft spots. For caramelization, spread the cubes out on the baking sheet. Crowding them can lead to steaming instead of roasting. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat. Try some ground ginger for a warm twist. If you want a different crunch, swap in walnuts or almonds for the pecans. Each nut brings a unique flavor that can change the dish's profile. For special occasions, serve the sweet potatoes in a colorful bowl. Drizzle extra maple syrup on top for a shiny finish. Adding whole pecans or a sprinkle of fresh parsley makes the dish pop. These little touches will impress your guests and make your meal look stunning! Pro Tips Use Fresh Spices: Freshly grated nutmeg and ground cinnamon will enhance the flavors of your dish significantly compared to pre-ground spices. Check for Doneness: Sweet potatoes can vary in size; check for doneness with a fork to ensure they are tender throughout. Customize the Nuts: Feel free to swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile. Storage Tips: Leftover roasted sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated for a quick side dish. {{image_4}} You can use different types of sweet potatoes for this dish. You might try Japanese sweet potatoes. They have a creamy texture and a sweet taste. Another option is purple sweet potatoes. They add color and unique flavor. If you want to mix it up, consider adding other root vegetables. Carrots or butternut squash work well. They roast nicely and pair well with maple syrup. If you want a different flavor, try using other sweeteners. Honey or agave syrup can replace maple syrup. Each has its own taste but will still make your dish sweet. You can also explore different nuts. Walnuts or almonds can add a nice crunch. Each nut will give a new twist to the original recipe. For a vegan twist, skip the butter and use olive oil. This keeps the recipe dairy-free. You can also use coconut milk instead of any cream. It adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess. If you want to add some richness, try a vegan butter substitute. This keeps the dish light but tasty. To store leftovers of your maple pecan roasted sweet potatoes, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. I recommend using glass containers for best results. They do not absorb odors and are easy to clean. These sweet potatoes can stay in the fridge for about three to four days. When it's time to eat leftovers, reheating them is simple. The best methods are using an oven or a microwave. If using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the texture crispy. If you use a microwave, heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir between each burst to avoid uneven heating. You can also freeze roasted sweet potatoes. To freeze, let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Try to remove as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. For reheating, use the oven for the best texture. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until warm. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead. To prepare, roast the sweet potatoes and let them cool. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can keep them for up to three days. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Leftovers last for about three days in the fridge. Store them in a sealed container. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the sweet potatoes. They stay good for about two months in the freezer. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing. Yes, you can! If you don’t have maple syrup, honey works well. You can also use walnuts instead of pecans for a different flavor. For a dairy-free option, stick with olive oil. Just remember that these swaps may change the taste a bit. Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. You can cook a big batch and divide it into portions. Pair it with proteins like chicken or tofu for a balanced meal. Add it to your lunch or dinner plans for a tasty side that adds nutrients. In this post, we explored a delicious recipe featuring sweet potatoes and pecans. You learned about key ingredients and detailed steps like roasting and garnishing. I shared tips for perfect texture and ways to customize the dish. Remember, you can adjust flavors and store leftovers easily. Embrace creativity in your cooking! Enjoy making this dish for yourself or loved ones. Happy cooking!$

Maple Pecan Roasted Sweet Potatoes

A delicious side dish featuring sweet potatoes roasted with maple syrup and pecans.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
to taste sea salt
for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
In a spacious mixing bowl, add the diced sweet potatoes. Pour in the olive oil and maple syrup. Sprinkle the cinnamon, nutmeg, and a generous pinch of salt over the top. Using a spatula or your hands, toss the sweet potatoes until every piece is thoroughly coated in the mixture.
Transfer the sweet potato mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out into a single layer for even roasting.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the sweet potatoes for 25-30 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and have developed a beautiful caramelized color. Be sure to stir the mixture halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
In the final 10 minutes of roasting, sprinkle the roughly chopped pecans over the sweet potatoes. This will allow them to toast lightly, enhancing their nutty flavor.
Once the sweet potatoes are fully cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow the dish to cool for a couple of minutes. Just before serving, garnish with the finely chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Notes

For a stunning display, serve in a large, shallow bowl or on a decorative platter.

Keyword maple syrup, pecans, roasted, sweet potatoes