The Sweet Island Escape: Jamaican Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Caribbean sunshine bursts through every bite of this Jamaican sweet potatoes recipe, offering a vibrant dance of flavors that transports you straight to the heart of Jamaica.

Warm spices mingle with creamy sweet potatoes, creating a mouthwatering side dish that sings with tropical spirit.

Bold seasonings like thyme, allspice, and scotch bonnet peppers infuse each morsel with authentic island flair.

The natural sweetness of the potatoes perfectly balances the robust, zesty notes that define Caribbean cuisine.

Tender chunks caramelize beautifully, developing a rich golden exterior that promises incredible depth of flavor.

This recipe transforms ordinary sweet potatoes into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor a taste of Jamaica that brings excitement to your dinner table.

Tips for Perfect Jamaican Sweet Potatoes

• Adjust jerk seasoning to make the dish mild or extra spicy based on personal heat tolerance.
• Stir sweet potato rounds halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and golden-brown edges.
• Pierce potato rounds with a fork to confirm they're tender and fully cooked before removing from oven.
• Keep potato skins on for added fiber and extra nutrients when preparing the rounds.
• Enjoy sweet potatoes immediately after baking for the crispiest texture and most vibrant flavors.

Flavor Upgrades for Jamaican Sweet Potatoes

• Spicy Caribbean Kick: Replace jerk seasoning with hot sauce and add diced scotch bonnet peppers for an extra fiery flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused Island Style: Swap jerk seasoning with fresh thyme, rosemary, and garlic for a more herbaceous Jamaican-inspired version.
• Vegan Coconut Fusion: Drizzle coconut milk before baking and sprinkle shredded coconut after cooking for a creamy tropical touch.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute sweet potatoes with butternut squash or cauliflower while maintaining the same Jamaican spice blend.

Serving Suggestions for Jamaican Sweet Potatoes

• Tropical Island Plating: Serve these sweet potatoes on a large wooden board with fresh lime wedges for a Caribbean-inspired presentation.
• Protein Pairing Paradise: Complement the spicy-sweet rounds with grilled jerk chicken, coconut rice, or blackened fish for a complete Jamaican-style meal.
• Cooling Contrast Companion: Add a dollop of cool yogurt or sour cream on the side to balance the warm, spicy jerk seasoning and provide a creamy texture contrast.
• Herb Fresh Finish: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or green onions over the sweet potatoes just before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor and vibrant green color.

Jamaican Sweet Potatoes Storage Recommendations

• Transfer cooled sweet potato rounds to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Place completely cooled sweet potato rounds in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
• Preheat oven to 375F. Spread frozen or refrigerated sweet potato rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating and crispy edges.

FAQs

• What is jerk seasoning made of?

Jerk seasoning is a blend of spices typically including allspice, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper, originating from Jamaican cuisine.

• Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, you can increase the heat by adding more chili powder or incorporating some cayenne pepper into the seasoning mix for an extra kick.

• Are sweet potatoes nutritious?

Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, making them a healthy and nutrient-dense vegetable option.

• Do I need to soak sweet potatoes before baking?

No soaking is necessary for this recipe. Simply peel, cut, season, and bake the sweet potato rounds directly on the baking sheet.

Jamaican Sweet Potatoes Memorable Touches

• Jamaican jerk seasoning transforms ordinary sweet potatoes into a vibrant, flavor-packed side dish that adds excitement to any meal.
• Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe perfect for beginner cooks wanting to explore Caribbean-inspired flavors without complex techniques.
• Sweet potatoes deliver nutritious goodness with a delicious twist, offering a guilt-free option that satisfies comfort food cravings while providing essential vitamins and minerals.
• Minimal prep work and straightforward baking process mean you can have a delectable side dish ready with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous gatherings.

Ingredients for Jamaican Sweet Potatoes

• Sweet Potatoes: Orange-fleshed root vegetables that provide a rich, sweet base for this Jamaican-inspired side dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings adhere to the sweet potatoes and promotes even roasting.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a caramelized sweetness that complements the jerk seasoning.
• Jerk Seasoning: A classic Jamaican spice blend that brings bold, spicy flavors to the dish.

• Paprika, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile with warmth, heat, and depth.

Equipment for Roasting Jamaican Sweet Potatoes

• Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper for easy roasting and cleanup.
• Large Bowl: For mixing sweet potatoes with seasonings.
• Knife: Sharp chef's knife for peeling and cutting sweet potatoes into rounds.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing vegetables.
• Peeler: To remove sweet potato skin smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: For precise seasoning amounts.

Step-by-Step Jamaican Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and grab a baking sheet.

Line it with parchment paper so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Slice and Dice Sweet Potatoes

Grab your sweet potatoes and start peeling.

Slice them into perfect half-inch rounds, making sure each piece looks uniform and beautiful.

Step 3: Craft The Flavor Explosion

• Olive oil
• Brown sugar
• Jerk seasoning
• Paprika
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss everything into a big mixing bowl.

Swirl and mix until your sweet potato rounds are completely covered in this magical spice blend.

Step 4: Transform In The Oven

Spread those seasoned sweet potato rounds across your parchment-lined baking sheet.

Make sure they’re not overlapping.

Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and let the magic happen.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until the rounds are tender and slightly crispy on the edges.

You’ll know they’re done when a fork slides in smoothly and they’ve got a gorgeous golden-brown color.

Jamaican Sweet Potatoes Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Jamaican sweet potatoes shine in this flavorful Caribbean side dish featuring spicy seasonings and rich cultural heritage. Roasted with aromatic herbs and traditional spices, this recipe delivers authentic island tastes that will delight your palate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch rounds)
• 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar

Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) jerk seasoning
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) paprika
• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) chili powder

Finishing Ingredients:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for even roasting.
2. Carefully peel sweet potatoes and slice into uniform half-inch circular segments to ensure consistent cooking.
3. Create a robust seasoning blend by mixing olive oil, brown sugar, and aromatic spices like jerk seasoning, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing vessel.
4. Gently tumble sweet potato rounds in the spice mixture, ensuring each piece receives a thorough and even coating of the vibrant flavor profile.
5. Spread the seasoned sweet potato rounds across the prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between pieces to promote crisp edges and uniform roasting.
6. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 35-40 minutes, rotating midway through cooking to guarantee complete tenderness and caramelization.
7. Remove from oven when sweet potatoes exhibit a golden-brown exterior and can be easily pierced with a fork, signaling perfect doneness and maximum flavor development.

Notes

• Boost Flavor Experiment with different jerk seasoning blends to find your perfect spice level, as brands vary in heat and complexity.
• Make Ahead Slice and season sweet potatoes up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container to save prep time on cooking day.
• Dietary Adaptations Swap olive oil with coconut oil for a richer tropical taste, or use avocado oil for a neutral, high-heat friendly option that works well for paleo and keto diets.
• Crispy Texture Ensure potatoes are evenly sized and not overcrowded on the baking sheet to achieve maximum caramelization and prevent steaming instead of roasting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Jamaican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 325
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg