Chili Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Lime Juice
Elevate your side dish game with these incredibly flavorful Chili Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes. Each sweet potato half is perfectly tender, caramelized with a sweet and spicy glaze, and finished with a bright, zesty squeeze of fresh lime juice. This dish offers a delightful balance of earthy sweetness, smoky heat, and tangy freshness that will complement any meal, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Servings
2 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Offers a harmonious blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors in every forkful.
- Quick to prepare and cook, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights.
- Naturally vegetarian and can be easily adapted for vegan diets.
- Transforms a humble sweet potato into a vibrant, gourmet side dish.
- Rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, contributing to a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
- 1 medium sweet potato (approx. 300-400 grams), cut in half lengthwise
- 10 ml (2 teaspoons) olive oil
- 15 ml (1 tablespoon) liquid honey
- 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) chili powder
- 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) sweet or smoked paprika
- 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 lime, for juicing
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for roasting, which helps the sweet potatoes cook evenly and develop a delicious caramelization on their surface.
- Place the sweet potato halves on a baking tray. Using a pastry brush or your fingertips, thoroughly brush each sweet potato half, including the skin, with olive oil. This step is crucial for achieving a slightly crispy skin and preventing the potatoes from sticking.
- Generously season the entire sweet potato, both the flesh and the skin, with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Layering the seasoning from the start builds a more profound depth of flavor throughout the dish.
- With a sharp knife, carefully score the top halves (the interior flesh) of each sweet potato in a crosshatch pattern, about 0.5 cm (1/4 inch) deep. This scoring allows the spices and honey to penetrate deeper into the flesh, creating a more intensely flavored and tender interior.
- Evenly sprinkle the scored top halves of each sweet potato with chili powder, sweet or smoked paprika, and the optional cayenne pepper if you desire an extra kick of heat. Gently rub the spices into the scored flesh to ensure even distribution and adhesion.
- Transfer the seasoned sweet potato halves to the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Roasting at this temperature allows them to become beautifully tender inside while developing a slightly crispy and flavorful exterior.
- Once the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, carefully remove them from the oven. Be mindful of the hot baking tray.
- While the sweet potatoes are still warm, generously smear the top halves with liquid honey. The residual heat from the freshly baked potatoes will help the honey melt and coat the sweet potatoes, creating a glossy, sweet, and perfectly spiced glaze.
- Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice generously over both sweet potato halves. The bright acidity of the lime cuts through the sweetness and spice, brightening the entire dish. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired for a burst of color and herbaceous note.
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil (optional, for easier cleanup)
- Sharp knife
- Pastry brush (optional, or use a spoon/fingers for oil)
- Measuring spoons
- Citrus juicer (optional)
Essential Success Tips
- For the most even roasting, select sweet potatoes of similar size and thickness.
- Avoid overcrowding the baking tray; ensure there's enough space between sweet potato halves for proper air circulation, which is key for good caramelization.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your personal heat preference, or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Score the sweet potato flesh deeply enough for the spices and honey to seep in, but not so deep that the halves risk breaking apart during baking.
- Add the fresh lime juice and parsley just before serving to maximize their vibrant flavor and visual appeal.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To enhance the aromatic qualities of your spices, briefly toast the chili powder and paprika in a dry pan over low heat for about 30 seconds before sprinkling them onto the sweet potatoes. This technique 'blooms' the spices, intensifying their flavor.
- Consider using a premium or specialty honey, such as orange blossom or clover honey, to subtly elevate the dish's sweetness and introduce delicate floral notes that beautifully complement the lime.
- For an extra-crispy skin, after brushing with olive oil, lightly sprinkle the skin side with a tiny pinch of cornstarch mixed with salt before placing it on the baking tray.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave for best results.
- For a completely vegan version of this dish, simply substitute the honey with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Feel free to experiment with other warm spices like a touch of cumin, ground coriander, or ginger for different flavor profiles.
- This dish pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken, roasted fish, pan-seared pork chops, or as a vibrant, satisfying component of a grain bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the sweet potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can cut and season the sweet potato halves a few hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to roast. However, for optimal freshness, add the honey, lime juice, and parsley just before serving.
What type of sweet potato is best for this recipe?
Any common variety of sweet potato will work wonderfully. Look for firm, unblemished potatoes such as Beauregard (often simply labeled 'sweet potato'), Jewel, or Garnet sweet potatoes for their excellent texture and sweet flavor.
Can I cook this recipe in an air fryer?
Absolutely! To cook in an air fryer, preheat to 190°C (375°F). Air fry the seasoned sweet potato halves (without honey) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender. Apply honey after cooking, then lime and parsley. Cooking times may vary by air fryer model.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 250, Protein: 4g, Fat: 8g, Carbs: 45g, Fiber: 6g (Approximate values per serving, based on half of a medium sweet potato and estimated ingredients).
Allergy Information
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. It contains no common allergens unless cross-contamination occurs with other ingredients during preparation. Always check individual ingredient labels for specific dietary needs.
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