Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

These Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a perfect balance of savory and sweet. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes is enhanced with a rich maple syrup glaze, while the crunchy walnuts add a wonderful texture. This easy-to-make side dish is perfect for any meal, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cubed sweet potatoes, maple syrup, olive oil, cinnamon, and salt. Toss until the sweet potatoes are evenly coated.
3. Spread the coated sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until they are tender. Be sure to stir halfway through the cooking time for even roasting.
5. In the last 10 minutes of roasting, sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the sweet potatoes and continue to roast.
6. Once done, serve the sweet potatoes warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

1. Add Herbs: For a savory twist, sprinkle some fresh rosemary or thyme over the sweet potatoes before roasting.
2. Crispy Topping: Add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs or panko in the last 10 minutes of roasting to create a crispy topping along with the walnuts.
3. Sweetened with Honey: If you prefer a different sweetener, you can swap the maple syrup with honey or agave syrup.
4. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the cinnamon for a sweet and spicy flavor combination.
5. Additional Nuts: Swap or add other nuts like pecans or almonds to vary the texture and flavor.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover roasted sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze roasted sweet potatoes for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Reheating: Reheat the sweet potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave them for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes? Yes, yams can be used as a substitute for sweet potatoes. The flavor will be similar, though yams are often starchier.
2. Can I make this dish in advance? Yes, you can prepare the sweet potatoes ahead of time, roast them, and then store them in the fridge to reheat later.
3. Can I use a different nut besides walnuts? Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts would also work wonderfully in this recipe.
4. What can I serve with these roasted sweet potatoes? These roasted sweet potatoes pair well with roasted meats, such as chicken or pork, or even a hearty salad.
5. How do I prevent the walnuts from burning? To prevent burning, add the walnuts in the last 10 minutes of roasting, as the nuts only need a short amount of time to toast.
6. Can I make this recipe without cinnamon? Yes, if you don’t like cinnamon, you can omit it or replace it with other spices such as nutmeg, allspice, or even ginger for a different flavor profile.
7. Can I use pre-cut sweet potatoes? Yes, using pre-cut or frozen sweet potato cubes can save time, but fresh sweet potatoes provide the best texture.
8. Are these roasted sweet potatoes gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it contains no wheat or gluten-based ingredients.
9. Can I make this dish vegan? This recipe is already vegan-friendly, but make sure the maple syrup is sourced from a vegan-friendly producer.
10. Can I add a sauce to this dish? Yes, you can drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze, tahini, or yogurt dressing over the sweet potatoes for added flavor and creaminess.

Conclusion

These Walnut Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a simple yet flavorful side dish that’s sure to impress. The combination of sweet potatoes, maple syrup, and toasted walnuts creates a delicious contrast of flavors and textures. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will complement any main course.

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