Spice-Roasted Sweet Potatoes over Garlicky Yogurt Is the Recipe You Need Right Now

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These spice-roasted sweet potatoes over garlicky yogurt is the recipe you need right now for the perfect blend of warmth, flavor and comfort. The sweet potatoes, caramelized to perfection with a mix of aromatic spices, are served over a tangy yogurt base that adds a cool, creamy contrast. This simple yet sophisticated recipe will elevate your weeknight dinner or impress at your next gathering.

a recipe photo of the Spiced Roasted Sweet Potatoes over Garlicky Yogurt
Photo:

Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Sally McKay, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

Active Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
55 mins
Servings:
6

Spice-Roasted Sweet Potatoes over Garlicky Yogurt is as comforting as it sounds. Sweet potatoes are roasted with the warm spices of coriander, smoked paprika and oregano to yield a crispy, sticky-sweet exterior with a tender middle. They are expertly paired with a bright, lemony, garlicky yogurt that cools down your tastebuds. The fiber from the sweet potatoes and the protein from the Greek yogurt make this a nourishing side dish to any entree. Read below for our expert tips, including how to ensure perfectly roasted sweet potatoes every time. 

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

  • It’s important to stir the sweet potatoes while they roast so they will evenly brown and get that nice caramelization.
  • Swapping the sweet potatoes for butternut squash would be a delicious variation.
  • You can use this recipe as a base for a grain bowl served with grilled chicken or steak.
  • For a fun twist, add the roasted sweet potatoes and garlicky yogurt to wraps or salads.

Nutrition Notes

  • Sweet potatoes are packed with fiber, especially when you leave the skins on, like we do in this recipe. More fiber in your diet is beneficial for your digestive health. 
  • Greek yogurt is high in protein, which is essential for keeping you satiated after a meal. 
  • Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which is responsible for its pungent odor and its potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation.
the ingredients to make the Spiced Roasted Sweet Potatoes over Garlicky Yogurt

Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Sally McKay, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

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Ingredients

  • 2 pounds sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cubed (½-inch; about 7 cups)

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ teaspoon salt plus ⅛ teaspoon, divided

  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander

  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

  • 1 cup whole-milk plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt

  • 1 tablespoon water

  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest, plus more for garnish

  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

  • 3 small cloves garlic, grated on a microplane (about 1½ teaspoons)

  • Fresh oregano leaves for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Combine sweet potatoes, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 teaspoon each oregano and smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon each salt and coriander and ¼ teaspoon pepper on a large rimmed baking sheet; toss to coat. Spread in an even layer. Roast, stirring once, until golden brown and fork-tender, 25 to 30 minutes.

    a photo of the sweet potatoes roasted on a baking sheet

    Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Sally McKay, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

  2. Meanwhile, combine 1 cup yogurt, 1 tablespoon water, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, grated garlic and the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and ⅛ teaspoon salt in a small bowl; refrigerate, uncovered, until ready to use.

    a photo of the yogurt ingredients mixed together in a bowl

    Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Sally McKay, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

  3. Spread the yogurt sauce on a platter; arrange the roasted potatoes over the sauce. Garnish with oregano leaves and additional lemon zest, if desired.

    a photo of the roasted sweet potatoes on the garlicky yogurt

    Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Sally McKay, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

To make ahead

Refrigerate yogurt sauce (Step 2) in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I prepare spicy roasted sweet potatoes in advance?

    Absolutely. You can prepare the sweet potatoes and the yogurt mixture 5 days before serving it; however, fresh is always best. For the best results, store the potatoes and the yogurt in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator until you assemble the dish.

  • What pairs well with spicy roasted sweet potatoes?

    These spicy sweet potatoes complement pretty much any main dish you can think of: roast beef or chicken, grilled pork—even a brunch frittata.

EatingWell.com, October 2024

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

231 Calories
9g Fat
33g Carbs
6g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size about ⅔ cup sweet potatoes & about 2½ Tbsp. yogurt sauce
Calories 231
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 33g 12%
Dietary Fiber 5g 18%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 6g 12%
Total Fat 9g 11%
Saturated Fat 2g 9%
Cholesterol 5mg 2%
Vitamin A 1082µg
Vitamin C 5mg 5%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 2mg 10%
Folate 20µg
Vitamin K 9µg
Sodium 316mg 14%
Calcium 93mg 7%
Iron 1mg 7%
Magnesium 44mg 11%
Potassium 586mg 12%
Zinc 1mg 6%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Additional reporting by
Sarah Pflugradt, Ph.D., RDN, CSCS
Sarah Pflugradt

Sarah Pflugradt is a registered dietitian who holds a Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist. Her extensive background in dietetics has made her a sought-after expert in family and youth sports nutrition.

and
Linda Frahm

Linda Frahm has been a copy editor and fact checker working with food and nutrition content for the past 30-plus years for consumer print and online publications, such as Cook’s Illustrated and Cook’s Country magazines, and has edited cookbooks for Dovetail Press and The Taste Curators.

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