This recipe offers a simple and healthy way to cook sweet potatoes in a slow cooker, resulting in tender and slightly caramelized “fries.” While they won’t achieve the same crispiness as deep-fried or oven-baked fries, the slow cooker method brings out their natural sweetness and makes them incredibly soft and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 large sweet potatoes, peeled
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- Optional seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, chopped
Instructions:
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into thick “fry” shapes, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Try to keep them relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
- Toss with Oil and Seasonings: In a bowl, toss the sweet potato “fries” with the olive oil (or melted coconut oil), salt, and pepper. Add any other optional seasonings you desire (garlic powder, paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, or fresh herbs). Toss well to ensure the sweet potatoes are evenly coated.
- Place in Slow Cooker: Arrange the seasoned sweet potato “fries” in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. Avoid overcrowding as much as possible. If you have a lot of “fries,” you may need to cook them in batches.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-5 hours or on high for 1.5-2.5 hours, or until the sweet potatoes are very tender and easily pierced with a fork. Cooking time can vary depending on your slow cooker and the thickness of your “fries.” Check for tenderness periodically.
- Serve: Once the sweet potatoes are cooked to your liking, carefully remove them from the slow cooker using a slotted spoon. They will be quite soft. Serve warm as a side dish.
Tips and Notes:
- “Fry” Thickness: Adjust the thickness of your sweet potato cuts based on your preference. Thicker cuts will take longer to cook.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Overcrowding the slow cooker can lead to uneven cooking and a mushy texture.
- Seasoning Variations: Experiment with different spices and herbs to create various flavor profiles.
- Slight Caramelization: For a bit more caramelization, you can toss the cooked sweet potato “fries” under the broiler for a few minutes after they are done in the slow cooker, watching them closely to prevent burning.
- Serving Suggestions: These slow cooker sweet potato “fries” are delicious on their own or with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, aioli, or a spicy mayo.
- Storage: Leftover slow cooker sweet potato “fries” can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, though they will be softer than when freshly cooked.
Enjoy these tender and flavorful slow cooker sweet potato “fries”!