Unleash Flavor: The Ultimate Chook Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Herbs Recipe
Get ready to experience sweet potatoes like never before! Our Chook Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Herbs are the only way to truly savor this versatile root vegetable. Infused with the extraordinary Chook Chicken Salt (yes, you read that right!) from Savory Spice Shop, these potatoes offer an unparalleled blend of sweet, tangy, herbaceous, and deeply umami flavors. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to prepare, making them a perfect side for any occasion.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Savory Spice Shop! As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!
Lately, my kitchen has been brimming with potatoes, both the humble russet and the vibrant sweet varieties. As the holiday season approaches, it serves as a delicious reminder of how much I adore potatoes and how often I forget to incorporate them into my regular cooking rotation. It’s a joy to rediscover the simple pleasure of a perfectly prepared potato side dish, especially when it’s as unique and flavorful as this one.
Beyond Thanksgiving: Why Sweet Potatoes Deserve a Permanent Spot in Your Kitchen
This appreciation especially holds true for sweet potatoes. Far too often, we relegate them solely to our Thanksgiving feasts, missing out on their incredible potential throughout the year. Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with essential vitamins like A and C, important minerals, and dietary fiber, making them a fantastic addition to your diet for a healthy boost. They are naturally sweet, yet incredibly versatile, capable of complementing a wide range of savory main dishes. Beyond their impressive health benefits, their earthy sweetness and comforting texture provide a warming embrace during the cooler months, making them a perfect side to brighten any meal, from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive gathering.
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While you might have a go-to sweet potato recipe you swear by, prepare to have your culinary world rocked. This isn’t just *another* recipe; it’s the *ultimate* sweet potato recipe you’ll ever need. From this moment on, your perception of how truly amazing sweet potatoes can be will be transformed forever, thanks to an unforgettable flavor profile and a unique secret ingredient.
The Secret Weapon: Discovering the Magic of Chook Chicken Salt
What makes this dish so utterly unforgettable? It’s a masterful symphony of flavors that begins with the natural sweetness of the potatoes, beautifully complemented by the richness of melted butter, the pungent tang of fresh garlic, and a vibrant burst of herbaceous notes from fresh rosemary and thyme. But the true star, the ingredient that elevates these smashed sweet potatoes from great to absolutely legendary, is the incredible Chook Chicken Salt from Savory Spice Shop. This isn’t just a seasoning; it’s a flavor revelation.
Savory Spice Shop has long been my trusted source for high-quality spices. Their dedication to freshness, unique blends, and exceptional flavor is simply unmatched. I particularly appreciate their wide selection, which allows me to easily refill my organized spice rack with my all-time favorites, ensuring I always have the best ingredients on hand. If you don’t have a physical store nearby, don’t worry! Their convenient online shop ships directly to your door, making premium spices accessible to everyone. Every cook, from novice to expert, should experience their creative spice blends, exceptional quality, and vast variety. Integrating their spices truly makes a remarkable difference in your cooking, transforming everyday meals into gourmet experiences.
What Exactly is This Amazing Chook Chicken Salt?
I know what you’re thinking: “Chicken salt? What in the world is that?” Allow me to demystify this culinary marvel! This isn’t your average seasoning salt. Chook Chicken Salt is crafted from powdered chicken chicharrones – crispy, savory chicken skins – delivering an intensely roasted, deeply savory flavor that is truly to die for. It’s an umami bomb, enriched with earthy notes from chanterelle mushrooms, a subtle sweetness from tomato powder, and intriguing, aromatic hints of sweet curry. This complex and thoughtfully balanced blend takes a simple seasoning salt and transforms it into something utterly extraordinary, adding depth and a gourmet touch to anything it graces.
Once you try it, you’ll understand why it holds such a special place in my heart. This magical seasoning tastes incredible on virtually everything! Imagine sprinkling it on waffle batter for a savory breakfast twist, enhancing roasted vegetables, elevating homemade potato chips or popcorn to gourmet status, or stirring it into your favorite sauces and spreads. Its versatility is astounding, making it a must-have in any pantry. It’s also particularly special to me because it’s made by the brilliant minds behind Chook Charcoal Chicken, a highly anticipated restaurant set to open right here in Denver. If their seasoning is this good, I can only dream of how spectacularly delicious their actual food will be!
Achieving Perfection: Tips for Your Best Smashed Sweet Potatoes
- Select the Best Sweet Potatoes: Always choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes. Medium-sized ones are ideal as they cook more evenly and are easier to smash.
- Uniform Slices are Key: When cutting your sweet potatoes into rounds, aim for a consistent thickness of about 1/2-inch to 1-inch. This ensures that every piece cooks through and becomes fork-tender at the same rate, preventing some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked.
- Prevent Overcrowding: For truly crispy edges, it’s crucial to give your sweet potato rounds ample space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding traps steam, which will lead to soggy potatoes instead of beautifully roasted ones. Use two baking sheets if necessary to ensure a single layer.
- The Art of the Smash: Once cooked and slightly cooled (enough to handle comfortably), a gentle but firm press with the back of a fork or the bottom of a glass is all it takes to “smash” them. This action increases the surface area, creating more delicious nooks and crannies for the seasonings and for developing that irresistible crispiness.
- Broil for Golden Crispiness: The final broiling step is essential for achieving that coveted golden-brown, crispy exterior. Keep a very close eye on them during this stage, as broiler heat can vary greatly and food can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. Stay vigilant!
Versatile Serving Suggestions for Your Flavorful Side
These Chook Smashed Sweet Potatoes are incredibly versatile and can accompany a wide variety of main dishes, making them a fantastic addition to almost any meal. Their unique flavor profile allows them to pair beautifully with both simple and elaborate entrees:
- Roasted Chicken or Turkey: The savory notes of the chicken salt perfectly complement poultry dishes, making them a superb alternative to traditional potato sides for Sunday dinner or holiday feasts.
- Pork Loin or Chops: The natural sweetness of the potatoes creates a wonderful balance with rich pork dishes, cutting through the richness beautifully.
- Grilled Steak or Salmon: Offer a vibrant and flavorful alternative to plain mashed potatoes or fries. The herbs and umami salt elevate any grilled protein.
- Vegetarian Mains: They shine alongside a hearty lentil loaf, black bean burgers, a substantial grain bowl, or even as a flavorful component of a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying vegetarian meal.
- Breakfast or Brunch: Don’t limit them to dinner! Serve them with scrambled eggs, a fried egg, or alongside a savory breakfast sausage for an elevated morning meal.
Exclusive Giveaway: Your Chance to Win Chook Chicken Salt & More!
As we celebrate the second day of the 12 Days of Jolly Giveaways, I’m absolutely thrilled to share today’s fantastic prize with you all! It features the very same incredible, oh-so-tasty Chook Chicken Salt that stars prominently in this recipe. This is your exciting opportunity to experience the magic for yourself and elevate your home cooking to dazzling new heights!
Savory Spice Shop is truly an unparalleled resource for premium spices, capable of transforming ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences. They offer an extensive range, from unique and innovative blends like Chook Chicken Salt to everyday staples like high-quality garlic powder, all curated with an uncompromising commitment to flavor and freshness. Today, Savory Spice Shop and I are delighted to collaborate and give away a bottle of Chook Chicken Salt AND their exceptional What’s Your Beef? Seasoning Set. This incredible prize package will ensure you’re fully equipped with amazing flavors for all your upcoming holiday cooking, and well into the new year, inspiring countless delicious meals!
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to win these fantastic spices! Scroll down below the recipe card for your chance to enter the second of TWELVE exciting giveaways!
Want to stay updated on all the exciting giveaways throughout the holiday season and beyond? Be sure to sign up for my email list (you’ll find the signup in the right-hand sidebar) to get every new post and announcement delivered straight to your inbox! You can also check back here regularly for all the latest giveaway details as they are published. Happy cooking, and good luck!
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This Recipe’s Must Haves
- Bake up your smashed sweet potatoes on the best USA Pan Bakeware Half Sheet Pan! I am thrilled with the lasting quality. They are awesome.
- With a Shun Classic 8-Inch Chef’s Knife in hand, you are always a pro chef in your own home.
- If you don’t already have Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls, here’s reliable and affordable ones to get!
Pin this Chook Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Herbs recipe for later!
Chook Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Herbs
equipment
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Half Sheet Pan
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mixing bowls
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Shun Classic Western Chef’s Knife, 8-Inch
ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes scrubbed well
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray
- 4 Tbsp melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 Tbsp Savory Spice Shop Chook Chicken Salt
instructions
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Preheat oven with broil set to high heat, ensuring it’s fully warmed up for best results.
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Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil spray or your preferred cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Thoroughly scrub the sweet potatoes. Remove the ends, then cut each sweet potato into uniform rounds, approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch thick.
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Arrange the sweet potato rounds in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The potatoes should be fork-tender at this point.
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Once the sweet potatoes have cooled slightly (enough to handle comfortably), gently flatten or “smash” each potato round with the back of a fork. This creates more surface area for crispiness.
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In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, and chopped fresh thyme until well combined. Drizzle this fragrant mixture generously and evenly over all the smashed sweet potatoes.
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Now, sprinkle the star ingredient – Savory Spice Shop Chook Chicken Salt – evenly over the seasoned potatoes. Be generous to maximize that amazing umami flavor!
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Return the baking pan to the preheated oven and broil until the tops of the sweet potatoes are beautifully golden brown and delightfully crispy. This usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes, but watch them very closely to prevent burning, as broilers can vary in intensity.
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Remove the pan from the oven and serve these irresistible Chook Smashed Sweet Potatoes immediately to enjoy their optimal flavor and texture.
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