Introduction
When it comes to comfort food, fried potatoes often steal the spotlight. However, there’s a healthier and even more delicious alternative that you need to try: baked sweet potatoes. This recipe not only offers a delectable taste but also comes packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a guilt-free indulgence. In this article, we’ll dive deep into how to prepare the most delicious baked sweet potato recipe that will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
To make this delicious baked sweet potato recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Sweet Potato Patties
- 3 medium-sized sweet potatoes (1.5lb | 700g)
- 1 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 3oz | 90g | 3/4 cup chickpea flour
- 1tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2tsp baking powder
- 2oz | 15g | 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1tsp paprika
- 1tsp ground cumin
- Salt for seasoning
For the Sauce (Optional)
- 6tbsp | 90ml dairy-free yogurt
- 2tbsp plant-based mayo
- 2tbsp oat milk
- 1tbsp lemon juice
- 2tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1/2tbsp garlic powder or 1 finely minced garlic clove
- Salt and black pepper for seasoning
Cooking Tips
- Add your favorite herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Substitute chickpea flour with any flour of your choice.
- Dairy-free yogurt can be replaced with dairy-free sour cream.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
- Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into slices. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Steam the sweet potato slices until they are tender. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. You can test their readiness by piercing them with a fork; they should be soft but not mushy.
Cooking the Onion and Garlic
- Dice the onion finely.
- Heat a lightly oiled frying pan over medium heat.
- Cook the diced onion in the frying pan until it becomes translucent.
- Finely chop the garlic cloves.
- Add the garlic and cumin seeds to the pan, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Making the Sweet Potato Mixture
- Place the steamed sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the bowl.
- Mash the mixture with a fork until well combined. The texture should be slightly chunky, not entirely smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the chickpea flour and baking powder, then sift them together to avoid lumps.
- Add the chickpea flour mixture to the mashed sweet potatoes.
- Stir in the nutritional yeast, paprika, ground cumin, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 20 minutes to allow it to firm up, making it easier to shape into patties.
Forming and Baking the Patties
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Lightly grease a baking tray or line it with parchment paper.
- Form the sweet potato mixture into patties, each weighing about 2.5oz (70g). You should get approximately 10-12 patties.
- Place the patties on the prepared baking tray.
- Lightly spray the patties with oil to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake the patties in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning.
Preparing the Sauce (Optional)
- In a small bowl, combine the dairy-free yogurt, plant-based mayo, oat milk, and lemon juice.
- Add the chopped fresh dill and garlic powder (or finely minced garlic).
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Serving Suggestions
These baked sweet potato patties are incredibly versatile. Serve them hot with the optional sauce for a delightful appetizer or side dish. They also make a great addition to salads, sandwiches, or even as a main course when paired with your favorite vegetables.
For an extra touch of flavor, consider garnishing the patties with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. You can also add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a bit of heat.
Nutritional Information
Sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of vitamins and minerals. They are particularly high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. This recipe, made with chickpea flour and nutritional yeast, also offers a good amount of protein and essential amino acids, making it a balanced and nutritious choice.
Conclusion
This baked sweet potato recipe is not only healthier than traditional fried potatoes but also brings a unique and delicious flavor to your table. The combination of sweet potatoes with aromatic spices and a creamy, tangy sauce makes this dish an irresistible treat for any meal.