Caramelized Sweet Potatoes with Honey (Long Version)

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Caramelized Sweet Potatoes with Honey (Long Version)

This dish is sweet, buttery, lightly crispy, and perfect as a side or even a main vegetarian dish.

📝 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

Main ingredients

  • 4 large sweet potatoes
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil
  • 4 tbsp natural honey
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Optional flavor add-ins

  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (chopped)
  • 1 garlic clove (optional, for sweet-savory flavor)

For garnish (optional)

  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Chopped walnuts or pecans
  • Fresh parsley or thyme

🔪 Preparation

  1. Peel the sweet potatoes.
  2. Cut them into even cubes or wedges (important so they cook evenly).
  3. Rinse briefly, then pat dry with a towel — this helps caramelization.

🔥 Cooking Method 1: Stovetop (Best Flavor)

Step 1: Start Cooking

  • Heat a large non-stick or cast-iron pan over medium heat.
  • Add butter or olive oil.
  • Once hot, add sweet potatoes in one single layer.
  • Do NOT stir for 6–7 minutes — let them brown.

Step 2: Flip & Tenderize

  • Flip gently.
  • Cook another 6–8 minutes until golden and fork-tender.
  • If needed, cover the pan for 2–3 minutes to soften inside.

Step 3: Caramelize

  • Reduce heat to medium-low.
  • Add honey, salt, pepper, and spices.
  • Stir gently for 2–4 minutes until glossy and sticky.
  • Add herbs or garlic at the end.

🔥 Cooking Method 2: Oven Roasted (Hands-Off)

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Toss sweet potatoes with oil, salt & pepper.
  3. Spread on a baking tray (don’t overcrowd).
  4. Roast 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway.
  5. Drizzle honey during the last 5 minutes.
  6. Return to oven until caramelized.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

  • Serve with grilled chicken, steak, or fish
  • Add to grain bowls (quinoa, couscous, rice)
  • Top with Greek yogurt or labneh
  • Serve alongside eggs for breakfast
  • Great in wraps or salads

💡 Chef Tips

  • For extra crisp edges → sprinkle 1 tsp cornstarch before cooking
  • Don’t add honey too early or it will burn
  • Use cast-iron for best caramelization
  • Taste at the end — adjust salt & honey balance

🌶️ Variations

🔥 Spicy Honey Sweet Potatoes

  • Add chili flakes or cayenne
  • Finish with hot honey

🧄 Sweet & Savory

  • Add garlic + rosemary
  • Finish with parmesan or feta

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