Cajun-Spiced Sweet Potato Delight
Dive into the rich, flavorful world of Cajun-Spiced Sweet Potato Delight. This spicy, yet sweet dish combines the natural sweetness of nutrient-rich sweet potatoes with a fiery kick from Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper. Perfectly roasted to a tender finish, these vibrant orange cubes are caramelized with brown sugar, creating a delightful contrast in flavors. Ideal as a side dish for any meal, this recipe offers a satisfying balance of heat and sweetness that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your culinary repertoire.
6
Servings
150
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
sweet potatoes
3 lbs (peeled and cubed)
olive oil
2 tablespoons
brown sugar
2-3 tablespoons
cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
1/8-1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Prepare two 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pans by coating them with cooking spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, toss the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil until well coated.
3
Spread the coated sweet potatoes evenly in a single layer in the prepared baking pans.
4
Roast in the preheated oven uncovered for 20 minutes, allowing the potatoes to begin caramelizing.
5
While the sweet potatoes are baking, in a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, Cajun seasoning, salt, and cayenne pepper.
6
After the initial 20 minutes, remove the pans from the oven and sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the sweet potatoes.
7
Return the pans to the oven and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly crispy on the edges.
8
Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve hot as a flavorful side dish.
Nutrition Information
3.33g
Fat
26.67g
Carbs
1.67g
Protein
5g
Fiber
5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cajun-Spiced Sweet Potato Delight?
It is a flavorful side dish that combines roasted sweet potatoes with spicy Cajun seasoning and a touch of brown sugar.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving of this recipe contains 150 calories.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (232°C) for optimal roasting.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and can easily be considered vegan-friendly as well.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
You will need 3 lbs of sweet potatoes, olive oil, brown sugar, Cajun seasoning, salt, and cayenne pepper.
Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, while olive oil is recommended, you can substitute it with avocado oil or another high-smoke-point vegetable oil.
How much fiber is in each serving?
Each serving provides 5 grams of dietary fiber.
What is the total roasting time?
The total roasting time is approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
Why is the spice mix added after the first 20 minutes?
Adding the spice and sugar mix later prevents the brown sugar from burning at the high roasting temperature.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
What size should I cut the sweet potato cubes?
Cubes should be roughly 1 inch in size to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
Yes, you can decrease or increase the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 3.33 grams of fat per serving.
What type of baking pans should I use?
Two 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pans coated with cooking spray are recommended.
Do I have to peel the sweet potatoes?
The recipe calls for peeled potatoes, but you can leave the skins on for added texture and nutrients if you prefer.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 26.67 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this dish contain any cholesterol?
No, this recipe is cholesterol-free.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving contains 1.67 grams of protein.
Can I substitute maple syrup for brown sugar?
Yes, maple syrup or honey can be used as a sweetener alternative to brown sugar.
How should I store leftover sweet potatoes?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Yes, air fry the oil-coated cubes at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, adding the spices in the last few minutes.
What main dishes pair well with this side?
It pairs excellently with roasted chicken, grilled fish, pork chops, or black bean burgers.
Can I freeze the roasted sweet potatoes?
Yes, they can be frozen for up to 3 months, though the texture may be slightly softer upon reheating.
How much salt is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How much sugar is in each serving?
Each serving contains 5 grams of sugar.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 350°F oven or an air fryer to help maintain the slightly crispy edges.
Is this dish considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is rich in vitamins and fiber with a relatively low calorie and fat count.
Should the pans be covered during roasting?
No, leave the pans uncovered so the sweet potatoes can caramelize and crisp properly.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are fully cooked?
They are done when they are fork-tender and the edges are slightly crispy and browned.