Glass Or Aluminum: Best Pan For Roasted Sweet Potatoes?

Whether you're roasting sweet potatoes in a glass or aluminum pan, the key to success is giving them enough space so they roast rather than steam. A single layer with some breathing room between each cube will do the trick.

If you're after a simple side dish, a drizzle of oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper is all you need. But if you're feeling adventurous, spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic can take your sweet potatoes to the next level.

Now, the million-dollar question: to peel or not to peel? Peeling is a matter of preference. Leaving the skin on boosts the fiber content and creates a crisp texture, but peeling ensures a consistent texture throughout.

So, preheat that oven, chop up some sweet potatoes, and get ready for a tasty treat!

How to prepare sweet potatoes for roasting

Picking and Preparing Your Sweet Potatoes

First, you'll want to select good sweet potatoes. Look for firm potatoes with smooth skins and no growths or discolouration. Red and orange sweet potatoes are often mislabelled as "yams" but these are sweeter and have a creamier texture.

Once you've selected your sweet potatoes, scrub them clean. You can peel them if you prefer, but this is optional and will depend on the texture you want to achieve. If you do peel them, cut off the ends and a lengthwise strip so that you have a flat surface to work with. This will make them easier to cut.

Cutting Your Sweet Potatoes

Cutting your sweet potatoes into evenly-sized pieces will help them cook at the same rate. You can cut them into wedges, fries, or halves, but for roasting, cubes are best. Cut the sweet potato into equal 1/2-inch rounds, then cut each round into equal-sized pieces.

Seasoning Your Sweet Potatoes

You can season your sweet potatoes with a variety of herbs and spices. A simple option is to drizzle them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, but you can also try spices like cumin, paprika, garlic, and chili powder, or dried herbs like parsley and cilantro. For sweeter potatoes, add a tablespoon of pure maple syrup or honey to the oil mixture.

Roasting Your Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to around 425-450ºF. Place your seasoned sweet potatoes on a large baking sheet, making sure they are spread out in a single layer with space between them. Roast for 20-30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until tender and caramelized.

Storing and Reheating Your Sweet Potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for up to a month. To reheat, use a toaster oven, microwave, frying pan, or air fryer.

The best temperature to roast sweet potatoes

Roasting sweet potatoes is a simple and tasty way to cook this versatile vegetable. The best temperature to roast sweet potatoes is between 400°F and 450°F (200-230°C).

For roasted sweet potato cubes, a temperature of 425°F (220°C) is recommended. This higher temperature will help to achieve a nice golden char on the outside, while maintaining a soft and creamy middle. At this temperature, the sweet potatoes will need to cook for around 30 minutes.

If you are roasting whole sweet potatoes, the cooking time will be longer, between 40 and 60 minutes. A temperature of 400°F is sufficient for whole potatoes, and you can coat them in olive oil and salt for added flavour.

For a simple roasted sweet potato recipe, cut the potatoes into evenly-sized cubes and toss them in oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic powder for extra flavour. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded, and roast for 30 to 35 minutes, tossing halfway through.

Enjoy your perfectly roasted sweet potatoes!

The best way to store and reheat roasted sweet potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a base for other meals. But what's the best way to store and reheat them?

Storing Roasted Sweet Potatoes:

Firstly, let the roasted sweet potatoes cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer them to a shallow airtight container or a resealable bag. Make sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Store them in the refrigerator, where they will keep for about four to five days.

Reheating Roasted Sweet Potatoes:

You have a few options for reheating your roasted sweet potatoes:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the sweet potatoes in an oven-safe dish. Reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: Place the sweet potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and cover them with a damp paper towel. Reheat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring in between.
• Air Fryer: If you're looking for a crispy texture, an air fryer is a great option. Preheat your air fryer and place the sweet potatoes in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Reheat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Tips for the Best Results:

• Don't overcrowd the sweet potatoes during storage or reheating, as this can affect their texture.
• For crispy results, the air fryer or oven method is best.
• If reheating in the oven, you can sprinkle a little water or oil on the sweet potatoes to help them retain moisture and crispness.

How to make roasted sweet potatoes crispy

Roasted sweet potatoes are a delicious, versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of mains. Here's a guide on how to make them crispy, with some tips and tricks to ensure perfect results.

Ingredients:

• Sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds or 3 large ones)
• Oil (avocado, olive, or coconut)
• Spices/seasonings of your choice (salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, etc.)
• Optional: Potato starch or cornstarch for extra crispness

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C to 230°C).
• Peel the sweet potatoes. This is optional but recommended for better texture and flavor.
• Cut the potatoes into equal-sized cubes, ideally about 1/2-inch thick. Uniform size ensures even cooking.
• Place the cubes on a large baking sheet, preferably rimmed. Avoid overcrowding the sheet to prevent steaming. Leave some space between the cubes.
• Drizzle oil over the potatoes and toss to coat evenly.
• Sprinkle your choice of spices and seasonings over the potatoes and toss again to coat.
• Roast the potatoes in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes.
• Toss the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Check for doneness. The potatoes are ready when they are tender and golden brown with crispy edges.
• Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Tips for Crispy Sweet Potatoes:

• Use a sturdy, sharp chef's knife to cut the sweet potatoes easily and safely.
• Cut a thin, lengthwise strip from the bottom of the potato to create a flat surface. This helps stabilize the potato while cutting and prevents rolling.
• Use a large sheet pan to allow adequate space for the potatoes. Crowding can cause steaming instead of roasting.
• Toss the potatoes at least twice during cooking to ensure even browning.
• Higher roasting temperatures, such as 450°F, can help achieve a crispy exterior and a smooth interior.
• For an extra crispy texture, parboil the potatoes in salted water with a little baking soda before roasting. The baking soda breaks down the potato surface, creating a rough texture that enhances crispness.
• Toss the parboiled potatoes with potato starch or cornstarch before roasting for an even crispier coating.

Enjoy your crispy roasted sweet potatoes as a side or add them to your favorite meals!

The best sweet potato varieties for roasting

When it comes to roasting, not all sweet potatoes are created equal. Here are some of the best varieties to choose from:

Purple Sweet Potatoes

Purple sweet potatoes have a purple-beige skin and vibrant purple flesh. Even after cooking, they retain their striking colour. They have a rich, dense flavour and are high in fibre and antioxidants, which protect the body from free radical damage and pollution.

Japanese Sweet Potatoes

Also known as white sweet potatoes, these have a pale yellow interior and purple skin. They are naturally sweet and nutty, with a more robust flavour than traditional sweet potatoes. When roasted, they become beautifully crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. They are perfect for roasting whole or slicing into fries.

Orange and Red-Skinned Sweet Potatoes

Known as the "moist varieties", these sweet potatoes tend to be sweeter, creamier, and less starchy. They are also packed with beta-carotene and vitamin C.

Frequently asked questions