- Sweet Potatoes: Organic, baby-sized for easier smashing
- Chipotle Chili Powder: Authentic smoked flavor, adds heat and smokiness
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic for added depth of flavor
- Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil for cooking
- Salt: Kosher salt for enhancing the natural flavors
- Black Pepper: Coarsely ground black pepper for a robust taste
- Paprika: Smoked paprika for an optional smoky touch
- Cumin: Ground cumin to add earthy notes and warmth
- Thyme Leaves: Dried thyme for aromatic flavor
- Maple Syrup (Optional): A touch of sweetness that complements the sweet potatoes
*Note: This list includes SEO-friendly keywords like "organic," "chipotle chili powder," and "smoked paprika" to help your content rank better in search engines.
Looking for a healthy yet flavorful side dish? Try these Chipotle Smashed Sweet Potatoes! This recipe is perfect for any meal and can be easily customized to fit your taste preferences.
#### Ingredients:
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (or more to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
#### Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Potato masher or fork
- Measuring spoons and cups
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Prep the Sweet Potatoes**
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Wash the sweet potatoes, then peel them and cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
2. **Add Flavor with Olive Oil and Chipotle Pepper**
- Drizzle olive oil over the sweet potatoes, ensuring they are well coated.
- Add 2 teaspoons of ground chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. This will give your sweet potatoes their smoky, spicy flavor.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. **Smash for Perfect Texture**
- Use a potato masher or the back of a fork to gently smash each piece of sweet potato. Smashing them helps achieve that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and creamy.
- Arrange the smashed sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy clean-up.
4. **Bake Until Golden Brown**
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and have a golden-brown color.
- Check halfway through cooking to ensure they’re not overbaking or burning.
5. **Serve and Enjoy**
- Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired, for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve immediately alongside your main course or as a standalone dish for a hearty meal.
#### Tips:
- For a richer flavor, you can double the chipotle pepper quantity to 4 teaspoons. This is especially recommended when using store-bought adobo sauce, which might not be as spicy.
- If you prefer a milder taste, use 1 teaspoon of ground chipotle pepper and add additional salt for balance.
### Conclusion:
Enjoy these flavorful Chipotle Smashed Sweet Potatoes as a side dish that packs a punch. Perfect for any occasion or meal! Share this recipe with friends and family to spread the deliciousness. Happy cooking!