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Harissa Smashed Sweet Potatoes - Close-up of finished Harissa Smashed Sweet Potatoes

Harissa Smashed Sweet Potatoes

A delicious 5-step recipe combining tender roasted sweet potatoes with smoky harissa chili paste for a vibrant, crispy side dish.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • Firm sweet potatoes of similar size
  • Harissa chili paste
  • Olive oil
  • Sea salt
  • Maple syrup
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
  • Toasted pumpkin seeds
  • Tahini for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Roast the Tubers – Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, pierce sweet potatoes with a fork, and bake on a parchment-lined sheet until tender, about 45 to 60 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Prepare the Flavor Blend – Whisk together harissa chili paste, olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, and a splash of maple syrup in a small bowl until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Flatten and Shape – Allow baked sweet potatoes to cool slightly, cut them in half lengthwise, arrange on a baking sheet, and gently press with the bottom of a heavy glass or measuring cup to flatten while keeping skin intact.
  4. Step 4: Glaze and Bake Again – Brush the chili oil mixture generously over the flattened sweet potatoes and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until edges turn deeply golden and crispy.
  5. Step 5: Garnish and Serve – Remove from oven, top with fresh herbs, toasted pumpkin seeds, or a drizzle of tahini, and serve warm.

Notes

For the best crispy texture, wait to flatten, glaze, and do the final bake right before serving.

  • Author: Mike
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: North African Fusion
  • Diet: Plant-based

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 potato half
  • Calories: 240 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: sweet potatoes, harissa, side dish, roasted, vegetarian, gluten-free