Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large Sweet Potatoes (about 1.5 lbs total): Choose firm sweet potatoes with smooth, unblemished skin. These will form the sturdy, slightly sweet base of our bites.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor, used to help the sweet potatoes roast to golden perfection.
- 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt (or to taste): Enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes and balances the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (or to taste): Adds a gentle warmth and depth.
- 2 ripe Avocados: Look for avocados that yield to gentle pressure; they should be soft but not mushy. These will create the creamy topping.
- 1/4 cup Red Onion, finely minced: Adds a sharp, pungent crunch and vibrant color. Soaking minced onion in cold water for 10 minutes can mellow its bite if preferred.
- 1–2 tablespoons Lime Juice (freshly squeezed): Provides essential acidity to cut through the richness of the avocado, brightens the flavor, and helps prevent browning.
- 1/4 cup Cilantro, freshly chopped (plus more for garnish): Lends a fresh, herbaceous note that complements both sweet potato and avocado.
- 1 small Jalapeño, minced (optional, seeds removed for less heat): For those who like a little spicy kick. Adjust according to your heat preference.
- Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (for garnish, optional): Adds a pop of color and an extra touch of heat.
- Optional additions for avocado mash: 1 clove garlic (minced), 1/4 teaspoon cumin.
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly. There’s no need to peel them, as the skin adds a nice texture and extra nutrients, but you can if you prefer.
- Slice the sweet potatoes into uniform rounds, about 1/4 to 1/3-inch thick. Try to keep the thickness consistent for even baking. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for this, but a sharp knife works well too.
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato rounds with the olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
- Arrange the seasoned sweet potato rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan; use two baking sheets if necessary. Overcrowding will steam the potatoes instead of roasting them, and they won’t get those lovely caramelized edges.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly golden brown and caramelized around the edges. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your slices and your oven’s quirks. They should be firm enough to hold their shape but tender when pierced with a fork.
- Once roasted, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. They can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Prepare the Avocado Topping:
- While the sweet potatoes are roasting (or cooling), prepare the avocado mash.
- Halve the avocados, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a medium bowl.
- Add the finely minced red onion, freshly squeezed lime juice, chopped cilantro, and minced jalapeño (if using). If you’re adding garlic or cumin, include them now.
- Mash the avocado mixture with a fork until it reaches your desired consistency. Some prefer it chunky, while others like it smoother. Be careful not to over-mash, or it can become a bit pasty.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want more lime juice for tanginess, salt for flavor, or cilantro for freshness.
- Assemble the Bites:
- Once the sweet potato rounds have cooled enough to handle, arrange them on a serving platter.
- Spoon or pipe a generous dollop of the avocado mash onto each sweet potato round. Using a small cookie scoop can make this process neat and ensure uniform portions.
- Garnish the assembled bites with extra chopped cilantro and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if desired.
- Serve Immediately:
- These Sweet Potato Avocado Bites are best enjoyed fresh, as the avocado can start to brown over time, even with the lime juice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 220