Description
This Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipe is a delightful combination of tender, caramelized sweet potatoes roasted to perfection with warm cinnamon, sweet maple syrup, and crunchy toasted walnuts. Garnished with fresh herbs, it makes a comforting and nutritious side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
Roasting Mixture
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- Fresh parsley or thyme (optional), for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the sweet potatoes evenly.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt and pepper. Toss well until all pieces are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated sweet potatoes out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to ensure even roasting and easy cleanup.
- Initial Roasting: Roast the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to start softening and caramelizing them.
- Add Walnuts: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the sweet potatoes. Gently toss them to combine walnuts with the sweet potatoes.
- Final Roasting: Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender, caramelized, and the walnuts are nicely toasted.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and allow the dish to cool slightly to enhance flavor melding and ease of serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired, and serve warm as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleaning easier.
- Adjust maple syrup amount to taste for more or less sweetness.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider toasting the walnuts separately before adding.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley add a fresh note but are optional.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or as part of a vegetarian feast.
