James Kenji Lopez-Alt

The Easiest Roast Sweet Potatoes

Added 2023-10-30 20:28:56 +0000 UTC

This recipe is a simplified version of my roast sweet potato from Serious Eats: https://www.seriouseats.com/the-best-roasted-sweet-potatoes-thanksgiving-sides-the-food-lab-recipe

In that recipe, you soak the sweet potatoes in warm water for an hour to activate enzymes that transform starches into simple sugars. In this version, I skip that soak, roast at a higher temperature, and add a couple teaspoons of maple syrup to the finished potatoes to add a bit of flavor and sweetness.

Active time: 15 minutes

Total time: 45 minutes

Serves 6

2 pounds (1kg) peeled or skin-on sweet potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch slices
3 tablespoons (45ml) extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
A few thyme or rosemary sprigs
2 teaspoons (10ml) maple syrup

Directions
1. Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place rimmed sheet pan on the rack to preheat. Toss sweet potatoes with oil and season with salt and pepper. When the oven is preheated, take out the sweet pan and add the potatoes, spreading them into a single layer (as best you can). Scatter the thyme or rosemary sprigs on top.

2. Roast until the sweet potatoes are tender and lightly caramelized, 20 to 30 minutes. Transfer the potatoes to a bowl, add the maple syrup and toss to coat. Season to taste with more salt and pepper if needed, and serve.