Sweet potatoes are a beloved treat throughout India, especially during fasting periods. Packed with vitamins and carbohydrates, they make for a delightful snack at any time of day. Personally, I have a particular fondness for the vibrant orange variety, which not only works wonders when baked in the oven but also dazzles with its eye-catching colour that is simply irresistible. After all, we truly do eat with our eyes first!
Unfortunately, orange sweet potatoes are not readily available in most Indian markets. However, I took the initiative to explore online options and discovered a few sellers. I ordered about 500 grams, and the quality exceeded my expectations! With Mahashivratri just around the corner, I am excited to share with you an incredibly simple and delicious recipe for baked sweet potatoes. With just 2 to 3 main ingredients, you can transform this humble vegetable into a gastronomic delight that will impress everyone at your table.
Prep Time – 5 minutes
Cook Time – 40 to 60 minutes
Serves – 2
Ingredients:
Sweet Potatoes – 400 gms
Sesame Oil – 2 tbsp ( I personally prefer using sesame oil over Olive oil as this offers a more refined taste and also enhances the colour )
Lime Juice – 2 tbsp
Rock Salt – as per taste
Pepper powder – a pinch
Method:
1 ) Wash the sweet potatoes and clean them well. Remove any soil or fissures and pat them dry.
2 ) Cut them into long julienne and set aside. ( I cook them in two different batches – one with skin and another without, feel free to cook as per your choice )
3 ) Arrange the potatoes in a baking dish, drizzle the sweet potatoes with lime juice, salt and pepper. Bake them at 400 – 425 degrees for approximately 40 mins. ( Cooking time might vary depending upon the size of the sweet potato )
N.B: In case of Fasting, eliminate the use of Black or White Pepper and substitute the Sesame oil with Groundnut Oil.
Pro Tip : Try using toppings such as Peri-Peri spice or Sumac Seasoning. You can also sprinkle some Vegetable Masala. A Yogurt dip in also an excellent option to pair with. ( Non fasting )
