Roasted Sweet Potato with Peanuts

Recipe 15 minPreparation Time 30 minCooking Time

Roasted Sweet Potato with Peanuts

15 minPreparation Time 30 min Cooking Time

About this Recipe

This combination of sweet potatoes, peanuts, and garlic (and some spice) is inspired by soups and stews from West Africa. It’s warm, winning, and more than the sum of its parts. In the unlikely event you have any leftovers, they can easily be used as a base for one of those soups or stews with a little broth and blending.

The Benefits

Sweet potatoes are packed with fiber and beta-carotene (orange varieties) or anthocyanins (purple varieties). Peanuts are high in protein, healthy fat, and add even more fiber. Besides making almost everything taste better, garlic also brings potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to the party.

Ingredients

4 to 6 SERVES

2 medium (about 1 lb / 450 g) sweet potatoes
1 head garlic, cloves separated and peeled
1/2 cup (85 g) shelled raw peanuts, coarsely chopped
2 Tbsp (30 ml) olive or peanut oil
1/2 tsp salt
freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme
Chile powder (chipotle, cayenne, or similar; optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat your oven to 375˚F/180˚C. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into about 1-in (2.5-cm) cubes. Put them in a large bowl with the garlic cloves and peanuts, pour in the oil, and toss to coat everything. Add the salt and a few grinds of pepper plus the thyme and chile powder, if using, and toss again so everything gets evenly seasoned.
Step 2

Spread the sweet potato mixture in a baking pan that just holds it all in one layer; you don’t want the pieces jammed too closely together or spread too far apart. The only trick here is to tuck/layer the garlic cloves under the potatoes at the beginning so they don’t burn.
Step 3

Bake for about 30 minutes, giving the pan a shake or a stir after about 20 minutes to expose more surfaces to the heat. Once the potatoes are tender, they’re ready, though you can let them go longer if you like. The garlic is your real indicator: when the cloves turn golden, you’re in business. If they get too brown, they can become bitter.
Step 4

Serve it while it’s hot, and make sure everyone gets some of the roasted garlic!