SWEET POTATOES

Sweet potatoes are a versatile and delicious root vegetable that can be prepared in various ways. Here’s a basic recipe for roasted sweet potatoes:

Roasted Sweet Potatoes:

Ingredients:

• 3-4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the sweet potato cubes, olive oil, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings like paprika and garlic powder. Toss to coat the sweet potatoes evenly.
3. Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. If you’d like, you can add fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, for extra flavor.
4. Roast the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until they are tender and golden brown. Make sure to stir them or shake the pan halfway through to ensure even cooking.
5. Once the sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and serve hot.

Other Cooking Methods for Sweet Potatoes:

1. Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Boil peeled and cubed sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt for a creamy and sweet side dish.
2. Sweet Potato Fries: Cut sweet potatoes into fries, toss them in olive oil, salt, and your choice of seasonings, then bake in a single layer on a baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning once.
3. Sweet Potato Casserole: Make a classic Thanksgiving side dish by layering mashed sweet potatoes in a casserole dish, topping them with a mixture of brown sugar, butter, and pecans, and baking until the top is golden and bubbling.
4. Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Bake whole sweet potatoes until tender, then cut them open and stuff them with ingredients like black beans, cheese, and salsa for a hearty meal.
5. Sweet Potato Soup: Cook diced sweet potatoes with onions, garlic, and chicken or vegetable broth until tender, then blend into a creamy soup with your choice of seasonings.

Sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be used in both savory and sweet dishes, making them a popular and nutritious addition to your meals.