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Slices of baked sweet potato frying on a cast iron skillet.

Food | Recipes

Sweet & Spicy Pan-fried Sweet Potatoes

Turn your baked sweet potatoes into an indulgent treat without sacrificing their healthy nutrition! Try this sweet and spicy side next time you're looking for something different to do with this favorite superfood.

Slices of baked sweet potato frying on a cast iron skillet.

Ingredients

  • two sweet potatoes, baked in skin and allowed to cool
  • 1/8 cup brown sugar
  • 3/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 ground red pepper, more or less to taste
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • pinch of salt
  • olive oil
    Feel free to adjust the spice on these or lose the sugar altogether.

Directions

Carefully peel the potatoes, being careful to keep their shape. Cut into roughly 1-inch round slices. Lay slices flat on cutting board, plate or pan, etc.

In a small bowl, mix sugar and spices together. Sprinkle half the sugar mixture onto the top sides of potato slices. Press sugar into potatoes lightly. Flip the slices over and repeat with remaining sugar and spices.

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Another type of skillet can be used, but cast iron gives the slices a nice, crispy char.

Once hot, drizzle enough olive oil on the skillet to lightly cover. Add slices to pan and cook on one side until slightly blackened and crispy around the edges, approximately 5-7 minutes. With a spatula, flip the slices and do the same on the other side.

The sugar should caramelize a bit and contribute to the blackened quality of the slices. Cook until crisp but not burned. Remove from heat and serve. Enjoy!