Introduction: Cumin Rosemary and Garlic Sweet Potato Fries

By turmericandtwine.com
About: I am an experienced cook, avid adventurer and diligent student of the culinary arts. I have dedicated much of my time and creative energy honing expertise and adoration for food preparation and experimentation…

One of the most satisfying winter comfort foods are sweet potatoes. Warm, earthy, orange and versatile. They add flavour and heart to any meal.

Though many cooks like to take the natural sweetness found in sweet potatoes to an even sweeter level (sweet potato pie, candied yams, sweet potato pancakes, etc) I prefer to balance the sweetness by adding salty and savory ingredients. A quick look at my brand new Flavor Bible by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg lists a few great ideas, like: garlic, duck, dill, cilantro, cumin, prosciutto, sage, Dijon, chives and more. Mmm.

If you’re not that comfortable working and experimenting with new sweet potato recipes, try these fries as a way to practice. You are guaranteed delicious results.

Step 1: Ingredients and Directions

Ingredients

  • 3 medium-large sweet potatoes
  • 3 crushed and minced cloves of garlic
  • 1 ½ tbsp of cumin powder
  • 1 tsp of fresh or dried rosemary leaves
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
  • Cooking oil

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400ºF/200ºC/Gas mark 6.
  2. Peel your sweet potatoes (or leave the skin on and just cut off the ugly bits like I do- when they are roasted the skin becomes soft and yummy. It is matter of taste. Just make sure you wash them well). Using a large knife, cut the sweet spuds into ½ inch slices. Then cut them into long fries.
  3. Place them into a large bowl with all the other ingredients and mix until the oil and spices are evenly coating the fries.
  4. Place the fries onto (a) baking sheet(s). Be sure to give them plenty of space. If they are too crowded, they won’t roast as well and will take much longer. Also, be sure to add any oil and spices at the bottom of the mixing bowl for extra flavour.
  5. Place in oven and roast for about 45 minutes. Check them every 10-15 minutes to stir and turn them. This will prevent burning on one side and ensure even cooking.
  6. Remove from heat when nicely browned and your kitchen is filled a warm, hearty smell.
  7. Eat when hot.

Serves 4-6