Grilled Caribbean Spiced Sweet Potatoes
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with these Grilled Caribbean Spiced Sweet Potatoes. This dish combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a delightful blend of brown sugar, spices, and a touch of citrus. Cooked to perfection on a George Foreman Grill or your outdoor gas or charcoal grill, these slices are glazed with a tantalizing molasses mixture and topped with fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor. Ideal as a side dish for barbecues or a vegetarian main, this recipe serves six and is sure to impress your family and guests with its unique taste and colorful presentation.
N/A
Servings
76
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Brown Sugar
3 tablespoons (packed)
Butter
2 tablespoons (softened, divided)
Ground Ginger
1 teaspoon (ground)
Dark Molasses
1 teaspoon (none)
Pineapple Juice
1 teaspoon (none)
Almond Extract
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Cilantro
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Sweet Potatoes
1.5 lbs (scrubbed and cut diagonally into 1/4 inch slices (about 2 large))
Instructions
1
Preheat the grill for at least 5 minutes until hot.
2
In a small mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1 tablespoon of softened butter. Mix well until you have a smooth paste.
3
Add 1 teaspoon of dark molasses, 1 teaspoon of pineapple juice, 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract, and 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro to the mixture, stirring until fully combined. Set aside.
4
Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Using a pastry brush, coat both sides of the 1.5 lbs of diagonally sliced sweet potatoes with the melted butter.
5
Place the sweet potato slices on the preheated grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they become tender and have grill marks, flipping them halfway through.
6
Once grilled, remove the sweet potatoes from the grill and spoon the molasses mixture over the top of each slice, ensuring an even coating.
7
Serve warm, garnished with additional cilantro if desired. For outdoor grilling, consider using a pizza crisper pan to facilitate easy flipping and basting during the cooking process.
Nutrition Information
2.3g
Fat
14.3g
Carbs
0.7g
Protein
2g
Fiber
7g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of these grilled sweet potatoes?
These Grilled Caribbean Spiced Sweet Potatoes offer a vibrant mix of natural sweetness, warm spices like ginger, and a hint of citrus from pineapple juice and cilantro.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve six people, making it an ideal side dish for family gatherings or barbecues.
What type of grill is best for this recipe?
You can use a George Foreman Grill or a traditional outdoor gas or charcoal grill to achieve perfect results.
How long should I preheat the grill?
The grill should be preheated for at least 5 minutes until it is hot before you begin cooking.
How should the sweet potatoes be cut?
The sweet potatoes should be scrubbed and cut diagonally into 1/4 inch thick slices.
What ingredients are in the spiced glaze?
The glaze consists of packed brown sugar, ground ginger, softened butter, dark molasses, pineapple juice, almond extract, and chopped cilantro.
How long do the sweet potatoes take to grill?
They typically take 8 to 10 minutes to become tender and develop grill marks.
Do I need to flip the sweet potato slices while grilling?
Yes, you should flip the slices halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and tenderness.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly, though it contains butter.
What is the calorie count for a serving of these sweet potatoes?
Each serving contains approximately 76 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is approximately 2.3g of fat per serving.
How much sugar is in one serving?
Each serving contains about 7g of sugar.
What can I use if I am grilling outdoors to make flipping easier?
Using a pizza crisper pan on your outdoor grill can facilitate easier flipping and basting.
When should the molasses mixture be applied?
The molasses mixture should be spooned over the top of each slice after they have been removed from the grill.
What kind of molasses is recommended?
The recipe specifies using dark molasses for its deep, rich flavor.
How much dietary fiber is in this dish?
This recipe provides 2g of fiber per serving.
Can I use vanilla extract instead of almond extract?
While the recipe calls for almond extract for a specific Caribbean profile, vanilla can be used as a substitute if preferred.
Is there any protein in this side dish?
Yes, it contains a small amount of protein, approximately 0.7g per serving.
What is the best way to prep the sweet potatoes before grilling?
Melt one tablespoon of butter and use a pastry brush to coat both sides of the sliced sweet potatoes before placing them on the grill.
What garnish is suggested for this recipe?
Fresh chopped cilantro is the recommended garnish to add a burst of color and flavor.
Does this recipe use fresh or ground ginger?
This recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground ginger.
Is this dish spicy?
While it is tagged as spicy, the heat level is mild, coming primarily from the ginger and aromatic spices.
How much carbohydrate is in a serving?
There are approximately 14.3g of carbohydrates per serving.
What role does the pineapple juice play?
Pineapple juice adds a touch of citrus acidity that balances the sweetness of the molasses and brown sugar.
Should the butter be melted or softened?
One tablespoon should be softened to create the spiced paste, and the other tablespoon should be melted for brushing the potatoes.
Can this be served cold?
It is best served warm to fully enjoy the melted glaze and tender texture of the grilled potatoes.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 8 main ingredients required for this recipe.
What is the total weight of sweet potatoes needed?
The recipe requires 1.5 lbs of sweet potatoes, which is roughly 2 large potatoes.
Are the sweet potatoes peeled?
The recipe suggests scrubbing them, implying the skins can remain on for added texture and nutrition.
Is this a Caribbean-style dish?
Yes, it is influenced by Jamaican and Caribbean flavors, utilizing ingredients like molasses, ginger, and cilantro.