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4.86 from 21 votes

Simple Candied Sweet Potatoes with Pecans (30 Minutes)

Indulge in these wickedly good candied sweet potatoes with pecans for your next holiday meal or celebration. The combination of pure maple syrup, zesty lime and crunchy toasted pecans make the sweet potatoes sing.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings (change as needed): 6 (or 4 larger servings)

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds sweet potatoes (2 large), peeled and cut into 1-1 1/2 inch (3.8 cm) pieces, Note 1
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/3 cup chopped toasted pecans, Note 2 or toasted hazelnuts or walnuts

Maple-Lime Glaze

  • 6 tablespoon pure maple syrup (or brown sugar)
  • 1 medium lime, juice and zest
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425F/218C.
  • ROAST SWEET POTATOES: Place sweet potato pieces on a pan lined with aluminum foil and sprayed with oil. Toss with oil, salt and pepper. Roast for about 20-25 minutes, turning half way through, until potatoes are tender and edges begin browning.
  • MAKE MAPLE-LIME GLAZE: While potatoes are roasting, combine all glaze ingredients in a microwave bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir.
  • ASSEMBLE: Place roasted sweet potatoes in a serving bowl. Drizzle maple-lime glaze over potatoes. Toss to cover evenly. Sprinkle toasted pecans on top. And extra lime zest if desired. Serve. 

Notes

  1. Sweet potato alternatives: use yams, butternut squash (less carbs and sugar) or carrots. 
  2. To toast pecan pieces, place on baking sheet in preheated oven at 350F/177C for about 6-7 minutes until aroma is evident and nuts are lightly toasted. Let cool to crisp up. Alternatively, toast them in a dry pan on medium for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant.
  3. To make ahead: Roast sweet potatoes and make the maple lime drizzle ahead of time. Before serving, assemble potatoes, drizzle over maple lime sauce and sprinkle with pecans. Heat in 375F/190C oven for 10-15 minutes. Or in the microwave on High for about 2 minutes. 
Nutrition values are estimates. 
Calories: 279kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 296mg | Potassium: 591mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 21510IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 1mg