Sweet potatoes hold a special place in Zimbabwean cuisine, celebrated for their sweet flavor and hearty texture. In this creative fusion recipe, we give a local twist to the classic sweet potato fry by infusing it with garlic and a blend of fresh herbs. The crispy bites are paired with a zesty, spicy dipping sauce, making them perfect for appetizers, snacks, or a delightful addition to any meal. Not only are these fries delicious, but they can also serve as inspiration for meals ideal for sharing or selling on Zimbo Menu, Zimbabwe’s local food marketplace.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Spicy Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key for achieving that perfect crispiness in your sweet potato fries.
- Prepare the sweet potatoes: Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into evenly-sized strips, about 1/4 inch thick, to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Season the fries: In a large bowl, combine the cut sweet potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss everything until the fries are well-coated in the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange for baking: Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will help them bake evenly and become crispy.
- Bake the fries: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through baking, flip the fries to ensure they’re golden and crispy on all sides.
- Prepare the spicy dipping sauce: While the fries are baking, make the dipping sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, Sriracha, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Adjust the heat by adding more Sriracha if desired.
- Garnish and serve: Once the fries are cooked to a beautiful golden brown, remove them from the oven and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for added flavor and color. Serve the crispy garlic herb sweet potato fries hot with the spicy dipping sauce on the side.
Cooking Tips
- To achieve even crispiness, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. If necessary, use two sheets so the fries are not touching.
- Experiment with other herbs and spices to create your signature flavor—rosemary or chili powder can add an exciting kick!
- Feel free to double the dipping sauce if you’re serving a crowd; it’s addictive!
These Crispy Garlic Herb Sweet Potato Fries not only provide a delicious side dish but also a fantastic selling point for those looking to explore culinary opportunities in the ever-growing food market. Imagine serving these scrumptious bites at a local event or selling them online via Zimbo Menu. The unique blend of flavors can captivate your customers and leave them wanting more!
Download the Zimbo Menu apps today to explore the possibilities this marketplace offers for your hobbies and business aspirations. Whether it’s preparing dishes for your family or considering a venture in the local food scene, recipes like these crispy garlic herb sweet potato fries can help you on that journey.
For more delightful recipes and selling ideas, check out Zimbo Menu.
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