Chook Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Herbs: Your Ultimate Side Dish Recipe
Discover the unparalleled flavor of Chook Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Herbs – truly the only way to enjoy sweet potatoes! Infused with the incredible Chook chicken salt, these potatoes offer a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and herbaceous notes, culminating in a profound umami experience. Best of all, this extraordinary side dish is remarkably simple to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to festive holiday gatherings.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Savory Spice Shop! As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!
Lately, I’ve found myself in the delightful throes of a serious potato obsession, encompassing both the earthy russet and the vibrant sweet varieties. While many of us primarily feature sweet potatoes on our Thanksgiving tables, this magnificent root vegetable deserves a starring role far more often. Its inherent sweetness and versatility make it a fantastic and comforting choice to enjoy throughout the colder months, bringing warmth and flavor to any meal.
Thanksgiving serves as an annual, glorious reminder of how much I adore potatoes, and how infrequently I incorporate them into my regular cooking routine. But sweet potatoes, in particular, should not be confined to a single holiday. They are a treasure trove of nutrients and flavor, capable of pairing beautifully with a vast array of main dishes. From roasted chicken to grilled fish, a hearty steak, or even a simple vegetarian spread, these smashed sweet potatoes with fresh herbs will elevate any plate.
Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will receive a small commission.
You might believe you have a go-to sweet potato recipe, a trusted favorite that never disappoints. However, I urge you to reconsider. This recipe for Chook Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Herbs is truly a game-changer – a revelation that will become your new standard, from now until forever. Its unique combination of flavors and textures sets it apart, promising an unforgettable culinary experience every single time.
The Irresistible Charm of Smashed Sweet Potatoes
The magic of this recipe begins with the technique of smashing the sweet potatoes. This method isn’t just about rustic charm; it’s a strategic culinary move that creates an exquisite contrast. By first roasting the potato rounds until tender, then gently flattening them, you achieve maximum surface area for caramelization. This ensures a wonderfully crispy, golden-brown exterior that gives way to a creamy, fluffy interior. The natural sweetness of the potatoes is perfectly enhanced by the rich, nutty notes of melted butter, the pungent kick of fresh garlic, and the bright, aromatic burst of fresh rosemary and thyme. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making these smashed sweet potatoes incredibly addictive.
The Star Ingredient: Chook Chicken Salt
Then comes the secret weapon, the main attraction that truly distinguishes this dish: Chook Chicken Salt from Savory Spice Shop. If you’re asking yourself, “What exactly is chicken salt?”, prepare to have your taste buds amazed. This isn’t just any seasoning; it’s a masterpiece of flavor. Crafted from powdered chicken chicharrones, it delivers an intensely roasted, savory essence that is absolutely to die for. But it doesn’t stop there. This unique blend is further elevated with complex umami notes derived from chanterelle mushrooms and tomato powder, along with delicate hints of sweet curry. This sophisticated combination transforms ordinary salt into an extraordinary flavor enhancer, adding depth and complexity that will leave you craving more.
Savory Spice Shop is my go-to destination for all things spice-related. Their commitment to quality, freshness, and an astounding variety of creative spice mixes is simply unmatched. With an organized spice rack, I can easily refill my most cherished spices, knowing I’m always getting the best. If you don’t have a physical store in your hometown, fear not! Their entire collection is available online and ships directly to your door. Every home cook should experience the difference that Savory Spice Shop brings to the table.
The versatility of Chook Chicken Salt is truly astounding. It’s not limited to just savory applications; its unique profile makes it a fantastic addition to a wide range of dishes. Sprinkle it into waffle batter for a surprisingly delightful twist, use it to season roasted vegetables, potato chips, or popcorn for an irresistible snack. It can even be incorporated into sauces and spreads to add a layer of rich, savory depth. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again, discovering new ways to infuse that incredible umami flavor into your cooking. This seasoning holds a particularly special place in my heart because it’s created by the brilliant minds behind Chook Charcoal Chicken, a highly anticipated restaurant opening soon in Denver. If their seasoning is this good, I can only imagine the culinary magic their full menu will bring!
Perfect Herb Pairings and Rich Butter
Beyond the phenomenal chicken salt, the fresh herbs and rich butter play crucial roles in defining the character of these smashed sweet potatoes. Fresh rosemary lends a piney, slightly peppery aroma, while fresh thyme contributes an earthy, minty undertone. These herbs are not merely garnishes; they are integral to the flavor profile, infusing the potatoes with a vibrant, garden-fresh essence that beautifully contrasts with the inherent sweetness. The melted butter acts as a luxurious vehicle, carrying the flavors of the garlic and herbs deeply into the potato, while also helping to achieve that desirable crispy texture during the final bake. This combination of fat and fresh aromatics creates a complex, satisfying taste that is both comforting and sophisticated.
Serving Suggestions & Customization
These Chook Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Herbs are incredibly versatile and can accompany almost any main course. Imagine them alongside a perfectly roasted chicken, pan-seared salmon, a juicy pork tenderloin, or even as a flavorful component of a brunch spread. For a vegetarian meal, they pair wonderfully with a hearty lentil loaf or a vibrant green salad. And while this recipe is perfect as is, feel free to customize it to your liking. Don’t have rosemary and thyme? Try other fresh herbs like sage or parsley. A pinch of red pepper flakes could add a subtle heat, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese in the last few minutes of baking would offer an extra layer of savory goodness. The possibilities are endless, but the core combination of sweet potatoes, butter, herbs, and Chook Chicken Salt remains a winning formula.
Expert Tips for Flawless Smashed Sweet Potatoes
To ensure your Chook Smashed Sweet Potatoes turn out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips. Firstly, don’t overcrowd your baking sheet. Giving the potato rounds enough space allows them to roast evenly and get crispy, rather than steaming. If necessary, use two baking sheets. Secondly, ensure your sweet potato rounds are roughly the same thickness for uniform cooking. About 1/2 to 1 inch is ideal. When smashing, be gentle but firm; you want to flatten them without disintegrating them. A fork or the bottom of a glass works well. Finally, keep an eye on them during the final broiling stage – ovens vary, and you want golden, crispy tops, not burnt ones. The rich flavors of this dish, combined with the ease of preparation, make it an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their side dish game.
Enter to Win: The 12 Days of Jolly Giveaways!
Now, for an exciting announcement! We are thrilled to be on the second day of the 12 Days of Jolly Giveaways! Today, I am particularly excited to share this incredible prize with you all because it includes the marvelous, oh-so-tasty Chook chicken salt that takes center stage in this very recipe. This is your chance to experience the magic for yourself and discover just how transformative this seasoning can be in your kitchen. Savory Spice Shop is truly an indispensable resource for spices, capable of elevating your culinary creations to new heights, offering everything from unique blends like Chook Chicken Salt to essential pantry staples like garlic powder. Today, Savory Spice Shop and I have partnered to give away a bottle of Chook Chicken Salt AND their fantastic What’s Your Beef? Seasoning Set. This incredible prize package will ensure you’re perfectly equipped for all your holiday cooking adventures and well into the new year, making every meal more delicious and memorable.
Scroll down below the recipe card for your opportunity to win the second of our TWELVE exciting giveaways!
Want to stay updated with all the upcoming giveaways? Be sure to sign up for my email list (you’ll find it in the right-hand sidebar) to receive all the latest posts directly in your inbox! You can also check back right here for a complete list of all the posts as they are published throughout the giveaway period.
table of contents
Toggle
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
-
Half Sheet Pan
-
mixing bowls
-
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
-
Preheat oven with broil set to high heat.
-
Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet with olive oil spray, or cooking spray.
-
Remove the ends of the sweet potatoes. Cut each sweet potato into 4 rounds that are about 1/2 inch to 1 inch thick.
-
Place sweet potato rounds on the baking sheet, cooking for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The potatoes should be fork tender at this point.
-
Once cooled slightly, enough to handle, lightly flatten or smash the potatoes with the back of a fork.
-
In a small boil, stir together butter, rosemary and thyme. Drizzle the mixture over the smashed sweet potatoes.
-
Sprinkle potatoes evenly with Savory Spice Shop Chook Chicken Salt.
-
Return pan to oven and back until the tops are golden and crispy, about 10 to 15 minutes.
-
Remove from oven and serve immediately.
a Rafflecopter giveaway