These sweet potatoes are a delightful mix of spicy and sweet! Roasted to perfection, they’re coated with chili and honey, then finished with a zesty splash of lime juice.
I can’t resist these tasty bites! They’re great as a side dish or a snack. Plus, the colorful blend makes my plate look like a party. Who’s ready for some deliciousness? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the spices. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, you can use regular potatoes, but the flavor will change. Yam could also be a great substitute!
Olive Oil: This adds a rich flavor and helps crisp the sweet potatoes. You can swap it for coconut oil for a different taste, or even avocado oil for a high smoke point. I often choose olive oil for its health benefits.
Honey: It gives the sweet kick to these potatoes. If you’re vegan, agave syrup or maple syrup works well instead. Personally, I prefer raw honey for its unique flavor profile!
Spices: Chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder come together to create a deliciously balanced taste. Feel free to adjust the spice level. If you want more heat, add cayenne pepper; for a smoky flavor, smoked paprika is a great option.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens up the dish at the end. If limes are out of season, lemon juice can work in a pinch. I love using lime for that zesty kick!
How Do I Roast Sweet Potatoes for the Best Flavor and Texture?
Roasting sweet potatoes can be easy, but getting that perfect texture takes a bit of technique. Follow these tips to make sure your sweet potatoes turn out just right!
- Preheat your oven properly. A hot oven (425°F) helps caramelize the sugars and create that crispy texture.
- Cut sweet potatoes evenly. This helps them cook at the same rate. Wedges work great for roasting!
- Toss thoroughly in the spice mix. Make sure every piece is coated for even flavor.
- Space them out on the baking sheet. Crowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of roasting, so give them some room!
- Flipping halfway through cooking is key! This allows for even browning on each side.
Follow these steps for perfectly roasted sweet potatoes every time!
Chili + Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Lime Juice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and 25-30 minutes for roasting, making a total of around 40 minutes. You’ll have perfectly roasted sweet potatoes that are sweet, savory, and a little spicy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is important to ensure your sweet potatoes cook evenly and get that delicious caramelized texture.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into wedges or halves lengthwise, whatever you prefer. The size should be about the same to ensure they roast evenly.
3. Make the Coating:
In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, honey, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. This coating will give your sweet potatoes a wonderful flavor!
4. Coat the Sweet Potatoes:
Add the sweet potato wedges to the bowl and toss them well until they are fully coated with the mixture. You want every piece to be nicely covered for maximum flavor!
5. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Place the sweet potatoes on a lined baking sheet with the cut side facing up. Make sure they are spaced out a bit so that they can roast properly and become crispy.
6. Roast Them:
Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and caramelization. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender and a little crispy on the edges.
7. Add Lime Juice:
Once they are done, take the sweet potatoes out of the oven and drizzle them with fresh lime juice for a zesty finish. This adds a nice brightness that balances the sweetness!
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, sprinkle some chopped fresh cilantro on top before serving for an extra burst of flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious chili + honey roasted sweet potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes give a wonderful flavor, you can substitute them with regular potatoes or even butternut squash. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, so check for tenderness around the same time as indicated in the recipe.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Both options will still give you that sweet kick without compromising the recipe’s integrity!
What Can I Do with Leftover Sweet Potatoes?
Leftover sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can enjoy them cold in salads, reheat them in the oven or microwave, or even mash them into a tasty filling for tacos!
How to Adjust Spice Levels?
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili powder to 1/2 teaspoon or omit it entirely. For extra heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños into the mix. Taste the mixture before coating the sweet potatoes to find your perfect spice level!
