Spicy Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Grannie used to make Thanksgiving sweet potatoes loaded with butter and gooey marshmallows, but the calorie count was off the charts. Still, sweet potatoes are a well-loved harvest feast tradition that we don’t want to do without–at least in part because they are loaded with antioxidants and fiber. So here is chef Alex Jamieson’s healthy–but still delicious–version of the classic stand-by, sweetened with maple syrup and livened up with a touch of zesty spice.

It’s fun to try healthier new takes on traditional fare and realize they taste every bit as good–but they won’t hurt our health! Here’s the simple recipe for these tasty sweet potatoes:

INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
1 tablespoon flaxseed oil
1 teaspoon maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon chili powder, or more, to taste
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
2 tablespoons slivered toasted almonds (optional)

1. Bring a 6 to 8 quart pot of water to a boil and cook the sweet potatoes for about 12 minutes, or until soft.

2. Drain and transfer the sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add the oil, maple syrup, chili powder, and salt and mash well with a potato masher.

3. Top with toasted almonds, if desired, and serve hot.

Serves 4 to 6.

Read more: Food, All recipes, Side Dishes, maple syrup, sweet potatoes, yams

Adapted from The Great American Detox Diet, by Alex Jamieson (Rodale Press, 2005). Copyright (c) 2005 by Alex Jamieson. Reprinted by permission of Rodale Press.
Adapted from The Great American Detox Diet, by Alex Jamieson (Rodale Press, 2005).

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Debbie C.

6:34AM PST on Feb 20, 2012

I love sweet potatoes. My husband loves chili powder. Seems like we both will get something we like - LOL. Thanks for the recipe.

send a green star

Julie v.

10:00PM PST on Feb 6, 2012

Wow!, Never thought of chili powder in sweet potatoes. I will give this a try.

Mac C.

3:45PM PST on Jan 29, 2012

sounds good, will try. Thank you.

Eternal G.

3:39PM PST on Jan 29, 2012

Good for your bowels and heart, thanks.

Elizabeth M.

1:15PM PST on Jan 29, 2012

Must try the chili powder for that little bit of zing. Thank You Annie.

Micheal M.

10:33AM PST on Jan 28, 2012

"Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food." Hippocrates
we must light up the darkness for knowledge is not power its empowering lets all be empowered to change. life has value beyond measure
Peace and Love

Pinke A.

6:25PM PST on Nov 18, 2011

Thanks for the information,it's always useful to know how many important vitamins there are. The spices on the other hand in the recipe are more difficult issue.People have so different taste,I wouldn't like the cinnamon or cardamon as Skb S. likes.Or maple syrup,but chili,maybe and brown sugar in some case...

Carole R.

10:55PM PST on Nov 17, 2011

My husband will love this. Thanks!

Jennifer C.

12:36AM PDT on Aug 24, 2011

Yummy! Thanks.

Robert O.

10:29AM PST on Jan 8, 2011

Sounds good. Thanks.