Melting Sweet Potatoes with Maple Pecan Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Melting sweet potatoes are a delightful side dish that combines tender, caramelized sweet potatoes with a rich maple pecan sauce. This comforting recipe is perfect for any meal, offering a wonderful balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of sweet potatoes
• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup maple syrup (for the maple pecan sauce)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (for the maple pecan sauce)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a roasting pan.
2. Step 2: Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into 1-inch thick pieces. Arrange the slices on the roasting pan, making sure they do not touch.
3. Step 3: Melt the butter and drizzle it evenly over the sweet potato slices. Sprinkle the salt on top. Toss gently to coat each piece, then spread them out again in a single layer without touching.
4. Step 4: Roast the sweet potatoes for 20 minutes in the oven.
5. Step 5: Using tongs, flip each sweet potato slice and continue roasting for another 20 minutes.
6. Step 6: The sweet potatoes are ready when they are golden brown with crisp edges and tender inside.
7. Step 7: To make the maple pecan sauce, bring the maple syrup to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the chopped pecans, return to a boil, and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
8. Step 8: Pour the warm maple pecan sauce over the roasted sweet potatoes and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or smoked paprika on the sweet potatoes before roasting.
• Use toasted pecans for a nuttier flavor in the maple sauce.
• Swap maple syrup for honey if you prefer a different sweetness.
• Try adding a handful of dried cranberries or raisins to the sauce for a fruity twist.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crisp edges, or warm in a microwave stirring occasionally. The maple pecan sauce can be warmed separately before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

While regular potatoes can be used, they won’t have the same natural sweetness or texture. Sweet potatoes caramelize beautifully and pair perfectly with the maple pecan sauce.

What if I don’t have pecans? Can I use other nuts?

Yes, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes in the maple sauce, offering a slightly different but delicious flavor and texture.

Melting Sweet Potatoes with Maple Pecan Sauce Recipe

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Melting Sweet Potatoes is a comforting roasted dish featuring tender, golden-brown sweet potato slices drizzled with melted butter and topped with a warm, sweet maple pecan sauce. This recipe balances sweet and savory flavors, making a perfect side for any meal.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Sweet Potatoes

• 2 pounds of sweet potatoes
• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Maple Pecan Sauce

• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a roasting pan for the sweet potatoes.
2. Prepare the sweet potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into 1-inch thick slices. Spread them out on the roasting pan ensuring the slices do not touch each other to allow for even roasting.
3. Butter and season: Melt the unsalted butter and drizzle it over the sweet potato slices. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Toss the slices gently to coat them evenly in butter and salt, then arrange them back in a single layer on the pan without overlapping.
4. Roast first side: Place the pan in the oven and roast for 20 minutes until the bottoms start to turn golden and crisp.
5. Flip and roast other side: Using tongs, carefully flip each sweet potato slice to the other side. Continue roasting for an additional 20 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are golden brown on both sides and have a fluffy interior.
6. Prepare maple pecan sauce: While the potatoes roast, bring the maple syrup to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and wait for the mixture to return to a boil. Let it cook for 1 minute then remove from heat.
7. Serve: Once the sweet potatoes are done roasting, pour the warm maple pecan sauce over them and serve immediately while warm and tender.

Notes

• Ensure sweet potato slices are spaced out on the pan to achieve a crispy, caramelized edge.
• Add more or less maple syrup based on desired sweetness.
• For added texture, toast pecans before adding to maple syrup.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or as a sweet side on a holiday table.
• To make the recipe vegan, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.

Keywords: sweet potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, maple pecan sauce, side dish, fall recipes, easy sweet potato recipe