These chili and honey roasted sweet potatoes are a perfect mix of sweet and spicy! Tossed in a delicious honey glaze and topped with a zesty lime kick, they’re super tasty.
Every bite feels like a little flavor party in your mouth. I love serving them as a side dish, and they make any meal feel extra special. Trust me, you’ll want to go back for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Go for large, firm sweet potatoes. If you can’t find them, butternut squash is a tasty alternative that also works well when roasted.
Honey: I love the natural sweetness honey adds, but you can use maple syrup for a vegan option. Agave syrup is another good substitute if you’re looking for something similar.
Chili Powder: This adds heat and flavor; I prefer regular chili powder. If you want more intensity, consider using chipotle powder or a mix with paprika. Adjust according to your spice tolerance!
Cumin & Smoked Paprika: Both spices boost the flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works fine. Ground coriander could also be a nice addition for more flavor depth.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice gives a zesty punch. In a pinch, you can substitute with lemon juice, though lime is more traditional for this dish. Always opt for fresh juice when possible for the best taste.
How Do I Roast Sweet Potatoes Perfectly?
Roasting sweet potatoes is simple, but a few tips can help you achieve the best results. Start with even slicing; this helps them cook uniformly. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your oven properly to 400°F (200°C) this ensures they cook through and caramelize nicely.
- Slice the sweet potatoes lengthwise for more surface area, helping with caramelization.
- Use a good amount of the honey-chili marinade; this not only adds flavor but helps with browning.
- Roast with the cut side down. It creates a lovely caramelized edge that’s super tasty!
- After flipping, squeeze lime juice over. This adds brightness and flavor that pairs excellently with the sweetness.
Being patient and sticking to the cooking times is key. Trust the process; those caramelized edges are worth the wait!
Chili + Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Lime Juice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
For Serving:
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 35-45 minutes to cook, depending on your oven. You’ll be roasting those sweet potatoes until they are tender and caramelized, then adding a zesty lime finish. Get ready for a delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures everything cooks evenly and gets that delicious roasted flavor!
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and dry them off with a towel. Carefully slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise. This will help them cook faster and allow more surface area for flavor!
3. Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix together the honey, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until it forms a smooth marinade. This blend of spices will give your sweet potatoes a flavorful kick.
4. Coat the Sweet Potatoes:
Brush the cut sides of the sweet potatoes with the honey-chili mixture. Make sure to coat them evenly for the best flavor!
5. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Place the sweet potatoes cut-side down on a lined baking sheet. This helps them caramelize nicely while roasting. Pop them in the oven and let them bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until they’re tender and edges are caramelized.
6. Add Lime Juice:
Once the sweet potatoes are done roasting, carefully flip them over. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the cut sides. This adds a burst of flavor!
7. Finish Roasting:
Return the sweet potatoes to the oven and roast for an additional 5-10 minutes. This allows the lime juice to caramelize slightly and intensify the flavor.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re all done, take them out of the oven and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve the sweet potatoes hot with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the top. Enjoy the delightful taste of your Chili + Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes!
Can I Use Maple Syrup Instead of Honey?
Absolutely! Maple syrup is a great substitute if you’re looking for a vegan option or want to change up the flavor. Just use the same amount, but keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, with a more earthy sweetness.
What If My Sweet Potatoes Are Small?
If you’re using small sweet potatoes, you may want to adjust your cooking time slightly. Start checking for tenderness at around 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
How to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Yes, you can definitely add other vegetables! Bell peppers, red onions, or zucchini would work well. Just chop them into similar sizes and toss them in the same marinade, adjusting cooking time as needed so everything cooks evenly.
