Description
Maple roasted sweet potatoes elevate comfort cuisine with rich, caramelized flavors from North American kitchens. Golden edges and glossy maple glaze make this simple side dish a delightful companion to your favorite main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Liquid and Sweeteners:
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare an oven-safe tray by lining it with parchment paper and heating the oven to 400°F (200°C) for optimal roasting conditions.
- Cut sweet potatoes into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent caramelization.
- Create a flavorful coating by whisking maple syrup with olive oil, then incorporating ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to enhance the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
- Thoroughly coat the sweet potato cubes in the maple spice mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly saturated with the aromatic blend.
- Arrange the seasoned sweet potato pieces in a single, uncrowded layer on the prepared baking sheet to promote proper roasting and prevent steaming.
- Roast the sweet potatoes for approximately 25 minutes, using a spatula to gently turn them midway through the cooking process to develop a golden, caramelized exterior.
- Sprinkle dried cranberries and roughly chopped walnuts over the partially roasted sweet potatoes, gently mixing to distribute the additional ingredients.
- Continue roasting for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sweet potatoes reach a tender consistency and the cranberries have softened and slightly plumped.
- Remove from the oven and allow the roasted mixture to rest for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, herbal contrast and serve warm as a delightful side dish.
Notes
- Keep sweet potato pieces similar in size for even roasting, preventing some chunks from burning while others remain undercooked.
- Use pure maple syrup for authentic flavor and richer caramelization, avoiding artificial maple-flavored syrups.
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and preventing sticking, ensuring crispy potato edges.
- Swap walnuts with pecans or pumpkin seeds for nut allergies or different texture preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg