spicy baked sweet potatoes

it is potato week at food network's comfort food feast and i decided to keep it simple with the best ever way to bake them.  (how modest of me, right?).  baked potatoes are so very versatile...once they are cooked they can be topped with just about anything...from the classic sour cream and chives or cheese sauce, to the more healthful versions of chili or roasted vegetables. (try green chile stew for a delicious main course).  i like to use sweet potatoes for the increased nutrients and just drizzle extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle some cayenne pepper & chopped green onions and serve.  terrific as a side dish or, paired with a salad, a light lunch or dinner.

now...i must share that my favorite part of a baked potato is the skin. so my technique is designed to maximize the flavor and make it a bit crispy with lots of texture. feel free to bake your potatoes however you like but just try my way one time.  you may find that your friends and family devour every bite...skin and all...maximizing the nutrition, fiber and..to me at least...the taste!

spicy baked sweet potatoes~serves 2
2 large organic sweet potatoes, scrubbed and unpeeled
extra virgin olive oil
coarse grey salt
cayenne pepper
freshly cracked black pepper
3 green onions, chopped...white and green parts

preheat oven to 425 degrees. place a cooking rack on a rimmed baking sheet. prick potatoes 5-6 times with a sharp knife. this allows steam to escape while the potatoes are cooking and you get baked potatoes...not steamed potatoes (completely different texture). using your hands, rub olive oil all over a potato and then place on the prepared rack. repeat with second potato. sprinkle both potatoes with the coarse grey salt. roast in oven 45 minutes to 1 1/2  hours until the potatoes give slightly when squeezed. (cooking time depends on how large and thick the potatoes are.  begin checking after 45 minutes and then every 15 minutes until done)

to serve, slice a potato down the center lengthwise. gently squeeze to loosen the flesh being careful not to tear the skin. use a fork to fluff up the flesh and drizzle a bit more olive oil over the top. sprinkle with cayenne pepper, grey salt and black pepper. repeat with second potato.  sprinkle chopped green onions over top and serve immediately.

another recipe you may also enjoy:
spicy twice baked sweet potatoes

it is potato week at food network's "comfort food feast". check out the other delicious sounding recipes from my blogger friends:

Jeanette's Healthy Living: Grilled Smashed Baby Potatoes With Green Harissa Sauce
Devour: 5 Ways to Cook Potatoes
Haute Apple Pie: Twice-Baked Southwestern Sweet Potatoes Napa Farmhouse 1885: Healthy Warm Potato Salad With Onion and Vinegar
Red or Green?: Spicy Baked Sweet Potatoes
And Love It Too: Sweet Potato Hasselback Potatoes
Virtually Homemade: Twice-Baked Potatoes With Cheddar and Caramelized Onions
Big Girls, Small Kitchen: Crispy Potatoes With Baked Eggs and Pesto Yogurt
Cooking With Elise: Vavos Stewed Potatoes
The Heritage Cook: Potato and Sweet Potato Gratin With Bourbon-Laced Cream Sauce
The Cultural Dish: Garlic and Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
Thursday Night Dinner: If You Need Me, I'll Be With My Potato Soup
Feed Me Phoebe: Baked Sweet Potato Fries With Rosemary
Add a Pinch: Loaded Smashed Potatoes
From My Corner of Saratoga: Garlic and Herb Infused Cheesy Potatoes
FN Dish: Well-Loved Potato Sides

do you have a favorite comfort food recipe you would like featured? feel free to post in the comments section of this post.

my best,
diane
red or green
napa farmhouse 1885

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