These chili and honey roasted sweet potatoes are a tasty treat! The sweet and spicy combination, paired with zesty lime juice, makes every bite exciting.
Who knew sweet potatoes could be so fun? I love serving them as a side dish or even for a snack. The sweet and spicy flavors keep me coming back for more! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! I love how their natural sweetness pairs with the spicy glaze. If you want a different taste, you can try butternut squash or carrots, though cooking times may vary.
Honey: Honey adds that perfect sweetness. If you’re vegan or want a lower glycemic option, agave nectar or maple syrup works just as well. Personally, I often use maple syrup for a unique flavor twist!
Chili Powder: This brings heat to the dish. If you prefer a milder flavor, use paprika instead. If you like more spice, try cayenne or chipotle powder to kick it up a notch!
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. In a pinch, lemon juice can substitute, but limes have a unique acidity. I often squeeze an extra lime for more zing!
How Do You Get the Sweet Potatoes Perfectly Roasted?
Roasting sweet potatoes to get that tender inside and caramelized edges requires a few key steps. First, scoring them helps the glaze seep in and cook evenly. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking.
- Wash and peel sweet potatoes, then cut them in half lengthwise. Make deep cuts into the flesh, being careful not to cut through the skin.
- Brush the sweet potatoes generously with the honey glaze, making sure it gets into the scored areas.
- Place cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender. Check doneness with a fork; it should slide in easily.
These steps ensure you’ll have sweet potatoes that are both delicious and beautifully caramelized!
Chili + Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Lime Juice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
For the Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnishing:
- 1 lime, juiced
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to roast in the oven. So, in total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and tasty side dish that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for roasting those sweet potatoes!
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash your sweet potatoes thoroughly and peel them. Then, cut each one in half lengthwise. To help the flavors soak in during roasting, use a knife to make deep cuts into the flesh of each half, but make sure not to cut all the way through the skin.
3. Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together the honey, olive oil, chili powder, sea salt, and black pepper. This glaze will give your sweet potatoes a wonderful sweet and spicy flavor.
4. Glaze the Sweet Potatoes:
Using a brush or the back of a spoon, generously apply the honey glaze over the sweet potatoes. Make sure to brush it into the scored cuts for the best flavor in every bite!
5. Get Ready to Roast:
Place the sweet potatoes cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
6. Roast Them:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and roast the sweet potatoes for about 25-30 minutes. You want them to be tender and have beautifully caramelized edges. Keep an eye on them towards the end!
7. Drizzle with Lime Juice:
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and drizzle fresh lime juice over the top. This brightens up the dish and enhances the flavors beautifully.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the sweet potatoes. This adds a lovely touch of color and flavor. Now your Chili + Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes are ready to enjoy!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes give a unique flavor, you can substitute them with regular potatoes or even butternut squash. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary—regular potatoes may take a little longer to roast until tender.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave until heated through. Reheating in the oven will help retain that delicious caramelized texture!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by replacing honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Both options will still provide a lovely sweetness to balance the chili flavor!
What Other Seasonings Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! You can add garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne for extra heat. Experimenting with spices like smoked paprika or cumin can also add depth to the flavor profile!
