| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 35 mins – 40 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 237 | 7g | 1g | 40g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 9g | 6g | 3g | 0.48g |
“There are recipes that just transport you back to the warm embrace of family memories, and then there are those that take your taste buds on a gastronomic adventure. The Annatto and Lime Roasted Sweet Potato manages to do both, beautifully bridging my New England and Irish roots with its rich colors, bold flavors, and hearty textures.
A Marriage of Cultures in a Simple Dish
The fusion of earthy sweet potatoes, tangy lime zest and juice, and the unique hint of annatto oil takes a classic side dish – reminiscent of the roasted potatoes often found in traditional Irish fare – to a whole other level. Picture it as a vibrant cousin to the humble spud’s roast, with a tropical twist that’s just as comforting. The addition of fresh thyme leaves and the fragrant punch of minced garlic make this recipe read like a love letter to my roots, marrying aspects of both my New England neighbourhood and the Irish cuisiene of my grandparents.
Dish That Brings More Than Just Flavor
Beyond these nostalgic ties, the Annatto and Lime Roasted Sweet Potato also brings a wonderful host of health benefits to the table. Sweet potatoes, long revered as a superfood, are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and a variety of vitamins —a love note from Mother Nature to our well-being. Meanwhile, the annatto oil, lime, and sea salt add not just flavor and color, but also offer significant sources of Vitamin C, essential for tissue repair and immunity.
This fruity twist on the classic roasted sweet potato truly encapsulates the warmth of family gatherings, the joy of shared meals with my partner Laura, and my personal love for bringing cultures together on the plate. It would pair delightfully with a grilled fish or a classic meatloaf, and I can just imagine my baby boy enjoying the vibrant colors on his high chair tray.
To me, the Annatto and Lime Roasted Sweet Potato is more than just a recipe—it represents family, history, and the blending of culinary traditions. Each ingredient tells a story and when they come together, they sing a beautiful symphony that resonates not just with your palate, but also your heart.”
What You’ll Need
- 3 large sweet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons of annatto oil
- Zest and juice of 2 limes
- 1 tablespoon of sea salt
- 1 tablespoon of black pepper
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is preheating, wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat dry. Then cut them into 1-inch cubes.
Step Two
Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle the annatto oil over the potatoes and toss until they are all evenly coated
Step Three
Add the minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, lime zest, lime juice, sea salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Toss until the sweet potatoes are evenly coated with all the ingredients.
Step Four
Spread the sweet potatoes out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure they are spread out evenly, so they cook at the same rate.
Step Five
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the sweet potatoes for 25-30 minutes or until they are tender and have a caramelized, golden brown color. Halfway through baking time, give them a quick stir to ensure they are evenly roasted.
Step Six
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Annatto and Lime Roasted Sweet Potato.
