Fondant Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Fondant Sweet Potatoes are a delightful twist on traditional roasted sweet potatoes. Thick rounds of sweet potatoes are first sautéed in butter to develop a golden crust, then simmered in a flavorful broth infused with brown sugar, spices, and herbs. This dish results in tender, caramelized sweet potatoes with a rich and savory glaze, perfect as a comforting side for any meal.
- Author: Luna
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thick rounds (about 1–1.5 inches)
Cooking Liquid & Seasoning
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the sweet potatoes later.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into thick rounds about 1 to 1.5 inches thick to ensure even cooking and the right texture.
- Sauté Sweet Potatoes: In a large cast iron skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it becomes bubbly. Add the sweet potato rounds and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they develop a light golden brown crust on one side.
- Add Liquid and Seasonings: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and add the brown sugar, sea salt, ground black pepper, and optional ground cinnamon. Make sure the liquid comes up to about half the height of the sweet potato rounds to allow for proper simmering.
- Roast in Oven: Carefully transfer the cast iron skillet to the preheated oven. Roast the sweet potatoes for 35 to 45 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking to achieve even tenderness and caramelization. The sweet potatoes should be fully tender and infused with the flavorful liquid.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, allow the sweet potatoes to rest briefly in the skillet to absorb remaining flavors. Serve with a drizzle of the pan liquid and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a burst of freshness.
Notes
- Using a cast iron skillet helps achieve even browning and allows for seamless stovetop-to-oven cooking.
- For a richer flavor, use chicken broth; for a vegetarian version, vegetable broth is preferred.
- The cinnamon is optional but adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the sweetness of the potatoes.
- Turning the potatoes halfway during roasting ensures even cooking and caramelization on all sides.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley brighten the dish and add a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
Keywords: fondant sweet potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, caramelized sweet potatoes, side dish, buttery sweet potatoes, savory sweet potatoes