There’s something truly special about purple sweet potatoes. Their stunning, deep violet color isn’t just for show; it brings a unique, subtly sweet, and earthy flavor that’s a delightful change from their orange cousins. If you’ve been looking for a way to make them shine, you’ve landed in the right place. This Crispy Herb Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes Recipe transforms humble potatoes into a show-stopping side dish. By boiling them first and then smashing them before broiling, we create an incredible texture—fluffy and tender on the inside with wonderfully crispy, browned edges.
The magic is in the method. We infuse melted butter (or ghee) with fresh rosemary and minced garlic, creating an aromatic blend that seeps into every nook and cranny of the smashed potatoes. A final blast of heat under the broiler crisps everything up to perfection. It’s a simple technique that yields a restaurant-quality result, making it one of my favorite sweet potato recipes. Let’s get started!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? First off, the texture is out of this world. The combination of a soft, creamy interior with those irresistible crispy edges is incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of side dish that might just steal the spotlight from the main course. The flavor is another huge win. The natural, mild sweetness of the Stokes purple sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the savory, aromatic blend of garlic and rosemary. It’s a classic combination that feels both comforting and a little bit fancy at the same time.
This recipe is also incredibly straightforward and perfect for cooks of any skill level. There are no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s mostly hands-off time while the potatoes boil and broil. Plus, these Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes are visually stunning. That vibrant purple hue adds a pop of color to any plate, making your meal look instantly more appealing. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner or a special holiday meal, they’re sure to impress your family and friends. It’s a reliable, delicious, and beautiful way to enjoy purple vegetables.
Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of fresh ingredients to create this fantastic side dish. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- 2 large Stokes purple sweet potatoes: These are the star of the show! Look for potatoes that are firm with smooth, unblemished skin.
- 2 tablespoons ghee, or butter, melted: Ghee has a higher smoke point which is great for broiling, but regular melted butter works just as well for that rich flavor.
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary, minced: Fresh herbs make all the difference. The pine-like aroma of rosemary is the perfect complement to the earthy sweet potatoes.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent, savory kick that balances the sweetness of the potatoes.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to make some magic? Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have perfectly crispy potatoes in no time. I recommend using a sturdy baking sheet like a USA Pan, but any large one you have will do the job.
Step 1: Prep The Oven And Boil The Potatoes
First things first, get your oven ready by preheating it to a high broil. Position an oven rack about 6 inches from the heating element. While that’s heating up, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Give your purple sweet potatoes a good scrub, trim off the ends, and then cut them into thick slices, about 3/4-inch to 1-inch thick. You don’t need to be perfect with the measurements. Gently lower the potato slices into the boiling water, cover the pot, and let them cook for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for them to be fork-tender but not falling apart or mushy. Once they’re ready, carefully remove them and let them drain on a paper towel.
Step 2: Create The Herb And Ghee Mixture
While the potatoes are boiling, you can prepare the flavor-packed topping. In a small bowl, stir together the melted ghee (or butter), the minced fresh rosemary, and the minced garlic. The aroma alone will tell you you’re on the right track! This simple mixture is what’s going to make our Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes so incredibly delicious.
Step 3: Smash The Potatoes
Now for the fun part! Arrange the drained, tender potato slices on your large baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Take a fork and gently press down on the center of each slice until it’s slightly flattened or ‘smashed.’ Don’t press too hard, or they’ll crumble completely. You just want to create more surface area and some rustic, uneven edges—this is the secret to getting maximum crispiness.
Step 4: Season And Broil To Perfection
With your potatoes smashed, it’s time to add the flavor. Spoon that glorious ghee and herb mixture over each smashed potato slice, making sure to get it into all the little cracks and crevices. Now, transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Broil for 10-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as broilers can work fast! You’ll know they’re done when the tops and edges are beautifully browned and crispy. Once they’re out of the oven, give them a final seasoning with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve them up hot and enjoy every bite.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which isn’t always a guarantee with a recipe this good!), storing them is easy. Allow the potatoes to cool completely to room temperature. This is important to prevent them from getting soggy. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, the best way to bring back some of that crispiness is in the oven or an air fryer. Pop them on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Microwaving will work in a pinch, but they will be much softer.
Conclusion
And there you have it—a simple yet spectacular Crispy Herb Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes Recipe that’s bound to become a new favorite. It’s proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated steps to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. From its eye-catching color to its satisfying crunch, this recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s the perfect side dish for just about any meal, adding a touch of elegance and a whole lot of deliciousness. I hope you enjoy making and eating these wonderful potatoes as much as I do!
FAQ
What Are Stokes Purple Sweet Potatoes?
Stokes Purple® sweet potatoes are a specific variety known for their deep purple skin and even deeper purple flesh. Unlike some other varieties, they hold their vibrant color even after cooking. They have a drier, denser texture and a well-balanced sweetness that makes them fantastic for roasting.
Can I Use Different Herbs?
Absolutely! While rosemary and garlic are a classic pairing, feel free to experiment. Thyme, sage, or even a little bit of parsley would also be delicious. You could even add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ghee mixture for a little bit of heat.
Do I Have To Boil The Potatoes First?
Yes, I highly recommend it for this specific recipe. Boiling the potatoes first ensures that the inside becomes perfectly soft and fluffy. The smashing step wouldn’t work as well with raw potatoes, and this pre-cooking step is key to achieving that amazing contrast between the tender interior and the super crispy exterior when you broil them.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Of course! To make this recipe vegan, simply swap the ghee or butter for a plant-based butter or a good quality olive oil. The results will be just as crispy and flavorful. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly, making it a very easy switch.
