Description
The Citrus-Infused Sweet Potato Delight presents a tantalizing blend of sweet and zesty flavors that uplift the humble sweet potato to a new echelon of culinary delight. Perfectly suitable as a side dish, this recipe infuses the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a vibrant orange glaze, complemented by a medley of spices. It’s an ideal choice for both festive occasions and regular weekday meals, fitting seamlessly alongside various main courses.
Ingredients
- 6 medium sweet potatoes
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray, as needed
Step-by-step Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into approximately ¼-inch thick rounds. Lightly spray an oven-safe dish, such as a cast iron skillet, with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Arrange the Potatoes
Organize the potato slices into stacks and neatly layer them around the pan, forming two concentric circles. Use any extra slices to fill in the middle of the arrangement.
Step 3: Make the Orange Glaze
In a saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, orange juice, maple syrup, orange zest, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and thyme leaves. Heat the mixture on medium until it begins to bubble, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes.
Step 4: Bake
Pour the bubbling sauce over the arranged sweet potatoes. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After this period, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes to allow the potatoes to brown. If necessary, bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the desired browning is achieved.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once done, remove the sweet potatoes from the oven. Garnish with additional thyme and a sprinkling of flaky sea salt if using. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves approximately 6 people. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, with a cooking time of up to 75 minutes.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Store leftover sweet potato delight in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving is also an option, though oven reheating is recommended to maintain texture.
Conclusion
This Citrus-Infused Sweet Potato Delight recipe harnesses the natural flavors and sweetness of sweet potatoes enhanced by a homemade orange glaze. Its easy preparation and exotic blend of spices make it a must-try side dish that promises to bring a fresh twist to your dining table. The recipe delivers not only on flavor but is also visually appealing and versatile, pairing wonderfully with a multitude of main dishes.
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Citrus-Infused Sweet Potato Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
The Citrus-Infused Sweet Potato Delight presents a tantalizing blend of sweet and zesty flavors that uplift the humble sweet potato to a new echelon of culinary delight. Perfectly suitable as a side dish, this recipe infuses the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a vibrant orange glaze, complemented by a medley of spices. It’s an ideal choice for both festive occasions and regular weekday meals, fitting seamlessly alongside various main courses.
Ingredients
- 6 medium sweet potatoes
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish (optional)
- Nonstick cooking spray, as needed
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into approximately ¼-inch thick rounds. Lightly spray an oven-safe dish, such as a cast iron skillet, with nonstick cooking spray.
- Step 2: Arrange the potato slices into stacks and neatly layer them around the pan, forming two concentric circles. Use any extra slices to fill in the middle of the arrangement.
- Step 3: In a saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, orange juice, maple syrup, orange zest, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and thyme leaves. Heat the mixture on medium until it begins to bubble, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Pour the sauce over the arranged sweet potatoes. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the potatoes brown. Bake longer if needed for desired browning.
- Step 5: Garnish with thyme and flaky sea salt if desired. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes