Pan-Roasted Sweet Potatoes: A Quick, Easy Treat

Pan-roasted sweet potatoes are a delicious and healthy dish that can be prepared in just a few simple steps. This cooking method is perfect for those who want their sweet potatoes to be tender and flavourful with a slightly caramelised edge. The process is quick and easy, requiring only a pan, a few basic ingredients, and less than 30 minutes of your time. The result is a tasty side dish that can be served with a drizzle of tahini and parsley or enjoyed on its own. So, if you're looking for a new way to cook sweet potatoes, pan-roasting is definitely worth trying!

Choosing the right sweet potatoes

First, it's important to know that sweet potatoes are available in various colours, including orange, red, yellow, and white. When selecting sweet potatoes, opt for the orange and red-skinned varieties, as these are the "moist varieties" that tend to be sweeter, creamier, and less starchy. Avoid the red and orange-skinned potatoes labelled as yams, as they tend to be more starchy and dry.

Next, examine the skin of the sweet potatoes. Look for smooth skins without any soft spots, discolourations, or bruises. Make sure the potatoes are firm when gently squeezed. Avoid potatoes with wrinkles or sprouting ends, as these are signs of age and dehydration.

Additionally, consider the size of the sweet potatoes. For pan-roasting, it's best to choose sweet potatoes that are uniform in size. This ensures that they cook evenly and at the same rate. Look for sweet potatoes that are similar in length and width, making it easier to cut them into consistent-sized pieces for roasting.

You can also choose between peeling or keeping the skin on your sweet potatoes. Leaving the skin on adds a bit more texture and some extra nutrients. However, removing the skin creates a smoother, more consistent texture. It's a matter of personal preference, and both options work well for pan-roasting.

Finally, select sweet potatoes that feel heavy for their size. This indicates a higher moisture content, which contributes to a creamier texture and better flavour when cooked.

By following these guidelines, you'll be able to choose the right sweet potatoes for your pan-roasting endeavours, resulting in a delicious and successful dish.

Preparing the sweet potatoes

Firstly, select your sweet potatoes. You can use any variety, such as orange-fleshed, yellow, or white, or even a mix of different types. The number of sweet potatoes you need will depend on the serving size, but as a guide, aim for around 3-4 sweet potatoes for a side dish for 8 people.

Once you have chosen your sweet potatoes, it's time to prepare them for cooking. Start by scrubbing the sweet potatoes under running water to remove any dirt. If you prefer, you can peel the sweet potatoes, but this is optional. Then, cut the sweet potatoes into your desired shape. You can cut them into 2-inch pieces, cubes, or slices. If you are slicing the sweet potatoes, aim for a thickness of slightly less than 1/4 inch to ensure even cooking.

After your sweet potatoes are prepared, it's time to cook them. Heat a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan—a tablespoon or two should be enough. You can use olive oil, virgin coconut oil, or another oil of your choice. Once the oil is hot, add the sweet potatoes to the pan. Try to arrange them in a single layer if possible, as this will help them cook evenly.

At this point, you can also add some seasonings to the sweet potatoes. A pinch of salt is a must, and you can also add ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, or other spices to taste. You can simply sprinkle these over the sweet potatoes in the pan and give them a stir to coat.

Now, it's time to cook the sweet potatoes. Leave them to cook, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned. This should take around 5 minutes. If your sweet potatoes are sliced, cook them for around 3-4 minutes on each side.

Once the sweet potatoes are browned, you have a couple of options for finishing them. You can either place the skillet into a preheated oven and roast them for a further 25-30 minutes, or you can cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the sweet potatoes to steam and cook through, which should take around 20 minutes. Either method will give you tender, delicious sweet potatoes.

And that's it! You're ready to serve your perfectly pan-roasted sweet potatoes. Enjoy!

Cooking the sweet potatoes

Ingredients

You will need:

• 3-4 sweet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons of butter (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt (optional)
• Freshly ground pepper to taste (optional)

Method

First, preheat your oven to 425º F. Next, peel and cut your sweet potatoes into 2-inch pieces. Place a medium skillet on medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sweet potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly browned. This should take around 5 minutes.

Now, remove the skillet from the heat and place it into your preheated oven. Roast the sweet potatoes for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender. Finally, remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).

Variations

For a more indulgent dish, you can add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet along with the olive oil. You can also experiment with different spices, such as ground turmeric and freshly ground pepper. Additionally, some recipes suggest covering the pan while cooking to help the sweet potatoes soften and accelerate the cooking process.

Tips

For a healthier option, you can bake or roast the sweet potatoes instead of pan-roasting them. You can also try different types of oil, such as virgin coconut oil, which has a slightly nutty taste. If you want to get creative, try adding some toppings like tahini and parsley, or serving them with a side of hummus.

Storage

These pan-roasted sweet potatoes are best served hot and fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them on the stovetop over medium heat for the best results.

Adding seasoning

When it comes to seasoning, there are a variety of options to add flavour to your pan-roasted sweet potatoes. Here are some ideas to elevate your dish:

Salt and Pepper

A simple yet essential combination for enhancing the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. Sprinkle kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste over the cooked sweet potatoes. You can also experiment with different types of salt, such as flaky sea salt or kosher salt, to add a unique touch.

Spices and Herbs

For a more complex flavour profile, spices and herbs can be a great addition. Try adding some paprika, oregano, red chilli flakes, or ground turmeric to your dish. These spices will give your sweet potatoes a nice kick and depth of flavour. You can also add some dried herbs like parsley or rosemary to give your dish an aromatic boost.

Nuts and Dried Fruits

Combining sweet potatoes with nuts and dried fruits creates an interesting mix of textures and flavours. Try adding some chopped pecans or walnuts, along with dried cherries or cranberries, to your roasted sweet potatoes. This combination offers a nice contrast between the sweetness of the potatoes and the crunch and nuttiness of the added ingredients.

Oils

The choice of oil can also impact the flavour of your dish. Extra-virgin olive oil is a popular option, but you can also experiment with virgin coconut oil, which has a slightly nutty taste that pairs well with sweet potatoes. Avocado oil is another healthy alternative that can be used for roasting.

Other Creative Additions

For a savoury twist, you can include ingredients like bacon, which adds a lush texture and flavour to the dish. Additionally, a drizzle of honey can provide a touch of sweetness to complement the roasted potatoes. Feel free to get creative and experiment with ingredients like hummus, tahini, maple syrup, or even a squeeze of lemon juice to create a unique flavour profile that suits your taste buds.

Serving suggestions

Roasted sweet potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for how to enjoy them:

• As a side dish: Roasted sweet potatoes make a great accompaniment to a variety of meals. Try serving them with veggie burgers, black bean burgers, BBQ jackfruit sandwiches, chilli, or tacos.
• In a grain bowl: Combine roasted sweet potatoes with a grain such as farro, quinoa, or brown rice, along with a protein like baked tofu or lentils, and a punchy sauce. Cilantro lime dressing, chipotle sauce, chimichurri, and tahini sauce are all great choices.
• In tacos or burritos: Stuff roasted sweet potatoes into breakfast burritos, breakfast tacos, or collard green wraps. They also pair well with avocado and pepitas on avocado toast.
• In a salad: Create your own salad with roasted sweet potatoes, greens, and a flavorful dressing like tahini, Italian dressing, or lemon vinaigrette.
• For breakfast: Add roasted sweet potatoes to a frittata or breakfast casserole, or simply enjoy them straight off the pan.
• As a snack: Serve roasted sweet potatoes with a dipping sauce like ketchup, aioli, or spicy mayonnaise (made by mixing mayo with sriracha, gochujang, or hot sauce).
• With other roasted vegetables: Roasted sweet potatoes can be combined with roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or cauliflower for a tasty vegetable medley.
• In a sweet potato quinoa bowl: Build your own bowl with roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa, and your choice of proteins and sauces.
• In a soup: Puree roasted sweet potatoes to create a creamy and nourishing soup.
• With dried cherries and pecans: For a traditional feel, add dried cherries and pecans (or walnuts) to your roasted sweet potatoes. Bacon and Aleppo pepper can also be added for a touch of lushness and spice.

Frequently asked questions