Sweet Potato Oven Fries
In my experience, the total cook time for these oven fries varies, depending on the size of the sweet potatoes and the thickness of the fries. Small or medium sized sweet potates may require less time. But at my grocery store, sweet potatoes range from medium-large to monstrous. The bigger the sweet potatoes, the more fries, and the longer they take to cook. Also, the potatoes have a tendency to stick to the pan so be sure to toss well with oil.
2 large sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds)
1.5 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon sweet paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper, more to taste
Pinch cinnamon
2 – 3 Tablespoons olive oil
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easier clean-up.
2. Cut each sweet potato in half cross-wise; then cut each half lengthwise into 3/8 inch wide (tombstone-shaped) slices. Finally cut lengthwise into 3/8 inch wide sticks or “fries.”
3. Put the sweet potato fries on the baking sheet. Sprinkle salt, chili powder, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, black pepper, and cinnamon evenly over the sweet potatoes. Pour on 2 to 3 Tablespoons of olive oil. Thoroughly stir the sweet potatoes, gently tossing them around to evenly coat with seasonings and oil. Be sure to coat all sides of the sweet potatoes with oil, as they tend to stick. Use additional oil as needed.
4. Spread sweet potatoes on the baking sheet, trying as much as possible for a single layer. Place in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until sweet potatoes have started to brown. Use a spatula to carefully turn over sweet potatoes, if desired. (The potatoes at the edges of the baking sheet tend to brown faster, you may want to rearrange to correct for hot spots.) Bake for another 5 to 10 minutes or until browned to your liking… I recommend you keep a close eye on the sweet potatoes as they go from golden brown to dark brown quickly.
5. Remove from oven and cool for a few minutes. Serve with chili-lime sour cream and yogurt dipping sauce.
Makes about 4 cups total or 5 (3/4-cup) servings.