Baked Sweet Potato With Onions And Red Peppers is a delightful and nutritious dish that brings together the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and red peppers with the savory depth of caramelized onions. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also offers a burst of flavors and colors that make it a perfect side dish for any meal.
Sweet potatoes are a staple in many cuisines worldwide, and they are known for their versatility and health benefits. Paired with red peppers and onions, this dish becomes a harmonious blend of sweet and savory that’s sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 large red onion, sliced
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, red onion, and red bell peppers. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss again until the vegetables are well-coated with the seasoning.
Step 3: Bake the Vegetables
Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure there is enough space between the pieces to allow them to roast evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized, and the onions and peppers are soft and roasted.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the vegetables cool slightly. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm as a side dish or as a main course with your favorite protein.
Tips and Variations
Tips for Perfect Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Soaking Sweet Potatoes: Some recipes suggest soaking sweet potatoes in water before baking to remove excess starch, which can make them crispier when roasted.
- Wrapping in Foil: Wrapping sweet potatoes in foil can help retain moisture, resulting in a softer texture. However, for this recipe, it’s better to bake them uncovered to achieve a slightly crispy exterior.
Possible Variations
- Sweet Potato and Bell Pepper Curry: Add curry spices and coconut milk to transform this dish into a flavorful curry. Serve over rice or with naan bread.
- Roasted Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup: Blend the roasted vegetables with vegetable broth and a splash of cream for a hearty and warming soup.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or cherry tomatoes to the mix for a more diverse vegetable medley.
Substitutions
- Olive Oil Alternatives: You can use avocado oil or melted coconut oil instead of olive oil for a different flavor profile.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano, and spices like cumin or chili powder, to suit your taste preferences.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 200 per serving
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 8g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Vitamin A: 240% DV
- Vitamin C: 70% DV
- Calcium: 6% DV
- Iron: 8% DV
Conclusion
Baked Sweet Potato With Onions And Red Peppers is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe will add a vibrant and flavorful touch to your meal. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes and red peppers, makes this dish a healthy and satisfying choice.