Jamaican Jerk Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Introduction

Jamaican Jerk Sweet Potato Fries offer a flavorful twist on classic fries with a blend of warm spices and a hint of heat. These crispy, aromatic fries are perfect as a snack or a side dish that brings a taste of the Caribbean to your table.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes (about 2 to 2 1/2 pounds total weight)
• 2 Tbsp. olive or canola oil
• 2 Tbsp. cornstarch (optional but recommended for crispness)
• 2 tsp. allspice
• 2 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. powdered ginger
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• Fresh cilantro (for sprinkling, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) to ensure a hot environment for crispy fries.
2. Step 2: Slice the sweet potatoes into long strips about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Place them in a large bowl or a zipper bag.
3. Step 3: Add olive oil, cornstarch, allspice, paprika, thyme, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, cumin, powdered ginger, salt, and black pepper to the sweet potatoes. Toss or shake well until the fries are evenly coated with the spices and oil.
4. Step 4: Spread the sweet potato strips in a single even layer on baking sheets to prevent overcrowding for better crispness.
5. Step 5: Bake for 10 minutes, then gently flip the fries to promote even cooking. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the fries are crisp and golden.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and optionally sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before drying and seasoning.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your liking.
• Try serving these fries with a creamy dip like garlic aioli or a tangy yogurt sauce for contrast.
• If cornstarch is unavailable, arrowroot powder or potato starch can be used as a substitute.

Storage

Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5 to 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake these fries without cornstarch?

Yes, you can omit the cornstarch, but it helps create a crispier texture. Without it, the fries may be softer but still delicious with the spices.

What dipping sauces pair well with Jamaican Jerk Sweet Potato Fries?

These fries go well with creamy sauces like ranch, garlic aioli, or even a spicy mayo. A cool yogurt-based dip also balances the warm spices nicely.

Jamaican Jerk Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 130 reviews

• Author: Harry
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

A flavorful and crispy take on sweet potato fries, seasoned with a vibrant Jamaican jerk spice blend. These oven-baked fries are perfect as a snack or side dish, combining sweet, spicy, and aromatic notes for a delicious Caribbean-inspired treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sweet Potato Fries

• 2 large sweet potatoes (about 2 to 2 1/2 pounds total weight)
• 2 Tbsp. olive or canola oil
• 2 Tbsp. cornstarch (optional but recommended for crispness)
• 2 tsp. allspice
• 2 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. powdered ginger
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• Fresh cilantro, for sprinkling (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure it is sufficiently hot to crisp the fries properly.
2. Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Slice the sweet potatoes into long strips about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Place the strips into a large mixing bowl or a zipper lock bag for easy seasoning.
3. Season the Fries: Add olive or canola oil, cornstarch (if using for extra crispness), and all the spices including allspice, paprika, thyme, cinnamon, cayenne, cumin, ginger, salt, and black pepper to the sweet potato strips. Toss well until each fry is evenly coated with the seasoning blend.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the sweet potato strips out in a single even layer on one or two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding, which helps them crisp up better.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then gently flip each fry to ensure even cooking. Continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the fries are crisp and golden on the edges.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and optionally sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the fries before serving. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy immediately.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, make sure not to overcrowd the fries on the baking sheet.
• Use cornstarch to help create a crispy coating on the fries.
• You can adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level of the fries.
• Serve with Jamaican jerk sauce or a creamy dip for enhanced flavor.
• Sweet potatoes vary in moisture – thinner fries will crisp more than thicker cuts.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Jamaican

Keywords: Jamaican jerk sweet potato fries, spicy sweet potato fries, baked sweet potato fries, Caribbean seasoning, healthy fries