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Baked sweet potatoes are a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-prepare side dish that can complement any meal. Whether you're looking for a comforting food to enjoy during the colder months or a light and fresh option for warmer weather, this versatile recipe is perfect for any occasion.
How To Make:
To make baked sweet potatoes, you'll need a few simple ingredients: sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, cinnamon, or paprika, to give your potatoes an extra boost of flavor.
Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to get things going. Wash the sweet potatoes and then pierce them several times with a fork. This will allow steam to escape while they bake, preventing them from exploding in the oven.
Next, rub each sweet potato with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. At this stage, you can also add any other seasonings you choose. Once they're seasoned, place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven.
The sweet potatoes should be baked for 45 to 50 minutes, or until they are soft and pierced readily with a fork. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your sweet potatoes, so be sure to check them periodically.
Once they're done, remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, slice them open and add any toppings you like. Butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and marshmallows are a few common choices. You can also top your sweet potatoes with savory ingredients, such as black beans, avocado, or shredded cheese.
Baked sweet potatoes are not only delicious but they're also loaded with nutrients. They're a fantastic source of potassium, fiber, and vitamins A and C. Plus, they're low in calories and have a low glycemic index, making them an ideal food for those watching their weight or managing diabetes.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
Wash and scrub the sweet potato well before baking to remove any dirt or debris.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the sweet potato on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Use a fork to poke several holes in the sweet potato to allow steam to escape during baking.
For crispy skin, rub the sweet potato with a little olive oil or coconut oil before baking.
Bake the sweet potato for 45-60 minutes, or until it is tender when pierced with a fork.
Variations:
Sweet and savory: Top the baked sweet potato with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of sea salt, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Spicy: Cut the sweet potato into wedges, toss with chili powder, paprika, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper, and bake until crispy.
Mediterranean: Top the baked sweet potato with hummus, chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, mint, or cilantro), chopped tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
Mexican: Top the baked sweet potato with black beans, salsa, avocado, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
Breakfast: Top the baked sweet potato with Greek yogurt, fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Vegan: Top the baked sweet potato with a mixture of sautéed kale, garlic, chickpeas, and a drizzle of tahini dressing.
Paleo: Top the baked sweet potato with cooked ground turkey, sautéed bell peppers and onions, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
BBQ: Cut the sweet potato into wedges, toss with BBQ sauce, and bake until crispy.
Italian: Top the baked sweet potato with tomato sauce, sautéed spinach, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Thai: Top the baked sweet potato with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions, and a drizzle of peanut sauce.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Clean any dirt or debris from the sweet potatoes by rinsing them under running water.
Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
Rub the sweet potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Sweet potatoes should be taken out of the oven and given some time to cool.
Slice open the sweet potatoes lengthwise and serve hot.
Optional: You can add toppings such as butter, brown sugar, marshmallows, or chopped nuts for added flavor.
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