Ingredients
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, but here are the core ingredients to create a truly delightful Roasted Sweet Potato Medley:
- Sweet Potatoes: (2 large, about 1.5 pounds) – The star of the show! Choose firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin. Their natural sweetness intensifies during roasting, creating a caramelized and tender base for the medley.
- Red Onion: (1 large) – Adds a pungent yet sweet counterpoint to the sweet potatoes. Red onions become wonderfully mellow and slightly caramelized when roasted, contributing depth of flavor.
- Bell Peppers: (2, assorted colors like red, yellow, and orange) – Bring vibrant color, sweetness, and a touch of crispness. Using a mix of colors not only looks beautiful but also offers a variety of subtle flavor nuances.
- Garlic Cloves: (4-5 cloves) – Infuses the medley with a savory, aromatic punch. Roasted garlic becomes sweet and mellow, adding a crucial layer of flavor without being overpowering.
- Olive Oil: (3 tablespoons) – Essential for roasting, olive oil helps the vegetables caramelize and prevents them from drying out. It also adds a subtle fruity flavor.
- Dried Herbs: (2 teaspoons, such as Italian seasoning, rosemary, thyme, or oregano) – Enhance the overall flavor profile with earthy and aromatic notes. Choose your favorite blend or a single herb to tailor the taste.
- Salt: (1 teaspoon, or to taste) – Crucial for bringing out the natural flavors of the vegetables. Seasoning properly is key to a delicious roasted dish.
- Black Pepper: (½ teaspoon, or to taste) – Adds a touch of spice and enhances the other flavors. Freshly ground black pepper is always recommended for the best aroma.
- Optional additions: (Consider adding broccoli florets, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or zucchini for extra variety and nutrition) – Feel free to customize your medley with other seasonal vegetables you enjoy.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a Roasted Sweet Potato Medley that’s bursting with flavor and perfectly cooked:
- Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving that beautiful caramelization we’re after. While the oven is heating, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Alternatively, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with olive oil.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under cool water. There’s no need to peel them, as the skin becomes wonderfully tender and adds extra fiber and nutrients. Cut the sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Uniformly sized pieces will ensure even cooking. Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large bowl.
- Prepare the Red Onion and Bell Peppers: Peel the red onion and cut it into wedges. You can halve or quarter the onion depending on its size, aiming for pieces similar in size to the sweet potato cubes. Wash the bell peppers, remove the core and seeds, and cut them into 1-inch pieces as well. Add the red onion wedges and bell pepper pieces to the bowl with the sweet potatoes.
- Prepare the Garlic: Peel the garlic cloves. You can either mince them finely or leave them whole. Whole cloves will roast and become mellow and sweet, while minced garlic will distribute its flavor more intensely. Add the prepared garlic to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Dress the Vegetables with Olive Oil and Seasoning: Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables in the bowl. Use your hands or a spatula to toss everything together, ensuring that all the vegetables are evenly coated with olive oil. This is crucial for roasting as the oil helps them crisp up and prevents sticking. Next, sprinkle the dried herbs, salt, and black pepper over the vegetables. Toss again to distribute the seasonings evenly. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it really enhances the flavors during roasting.
- Arrange Vegetables on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can steam the vegetables instead of roasting them properly. If necessary, use two baking sheets to ensure a single layer. A single layer allows for better air circulation and even browning.
- Roast the Sweet Potato Medley: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-35 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized, and the other vegetables are softened and have begun to brown. Halfway through the roasting time, about 15-20 minutes in, use a spatula to flip the vegetables. This ensures even cooking and browning on all sides. Keep an eye on the vegetables towards the end of the roasting time to prevent burning, especially if your oven runs hot.
- Check for Doneness: To check if the sweet potatoes are done, pierce them with a fork. They should be easily pierced and tender throughout. The other vegetables should also be tender and slightly softened. If they are not quite tender enough, continue roasting for another 5-10 minutes, checking again.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the vegetables are perfectly roasted, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let them cool slightly before serving. The Roasted Sweet Potato Medley is delicious served warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the vibrant colors, the caramelized sweetness, and the savory flavors of your perfectly roasted vegetables!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 200
- Fiber: 5