| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 50 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 324 | 12g | 7g | 51g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 12g | 6g | 4g | 0.045g |
I am absolutely smitten by our recipe du jour: Baked Sweet Potatoes with Ceylon Cinnamon Butter. It harmoniously marries the earthy, sweet notes of sweet potatoes with the exotic warmth of Ceylon cinnamon – a spice that’s highly revered in my household, thanks to my Spanish roots. The dish is not just a joyride for your taste buds but also a mine of health benefits.
The Connection to My Roots
Having spent my life in the vibrant city of Miami laced with Cuban and Spanish influences, I’ve grown fond of recipes that embody struggle, resilience, and joy- very much like my salsa sessions. This recipe exudes a similar warmth enriched by a melting pot of culture. The sprinkling of the Ceylon cinnamon is so reminiscent of the fragrant breezes of my grandma’s Spanish casa, I can close my eyes and I’m in Valencia all over again.
The Dance of Flavors and Health Benefits
The sweet potatoes in this recipe do more than just satiate your cravings. They are an excellent source of Vitamin A, fiber, and potassium. Pair them with the powerhouse that is Ceylon cinnamon, and you are in for a delightful range of health rewards. Often lauded as the “true cinnamon”, Ceylon cinnamon brings more than just a spirited kick to the dish. It’s a potent antioxidant, aids in controlling blood sugar levels, and is famed for its anti-inflammatory properties. Combined, it’s a duet truly worth relishing.
Turning up the Heat with Sweet Pairings
These Baked Sweet Potatoes with Ceylon Cinnamon Butter aren’t just a stand-alone marvel. With their sweet and spicy makeup, they pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Fire up the barbecue and grill some chicken or fish, these babies are the side dish you never knew you needed! I must also point out that these sweet delights, when accompanied by marshmallows, would make for a tempting Thanksgiving counterpart to your traditional turkey and stuffing.
Aspiring cooks, food lovers, gather around. This flavorful recipe is dance, culture, and a homely kitchen hug all wrapped in one. Get your aprons on, it’s time to cook up a storm!
What You’ll Need
- 6 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup)
- 2 teaspoons of ground Ceylon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- Optional: Marshmallows for topping
Method
Step One
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). While the oven is preheating, wash and pat dry the sweet potatoes.
Step Two
Prick the sweet potatoes all over with a fork. This allows steam to escape and makes the skins easy to peel away later.
Step Three
Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until a fork easily goes into the potato.
Step Four
While the sweet potatoes are baking, you can prepare the cinnamon butter. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once the butter is melted, stir in the ground Ceylon cinnamon, brown sugar and salt. Continue stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove the saucepan from heat and set aside.
Step Five
Once the sweet potatoes are done, allow them to cool slightly so you can handle them. Cut a slit lengthwise across each potato and fluff up the insides with a fork.
Step Six
Pour the warm cinnamon butter over each cut sweet potato. Use the back of a spoon to make sure the butter gets into all the nooks and crannies.
Step Seven
If desired, return the potatoes topped with marshmallows to the oven on broil for a few minutes until marshmallows are toasted and golden brown, Keep an eye on it as it can happen quickly.
Step Eight
Serve immediately and enjoy your Baked Sweet Potatoes with Ceylon Cinnamon Butter!
