Imagine biting into a golden, crispy sweet potato fry that’s perfectly seasoned, with a side of spicy harissa mayo that dances on your taste buds. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, wrapping you in a warm embrace as you anticipate the deliciousness about to unfold. Sweet Potato Fries with Harissa Mayo is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings joy and flavor to any gathering.
I remember the first time I made these fries during a casual family get-together. The laughter and chatter faded as everyone dove into the bowl, their eyes lighting up with delight over these irresistible bites. Whether you’re hosting game night or enjoying a cozy evening at home, this dish promises to elevate any occasion and leave everyone craving more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Sweet Potato Fries with Harissa Mayo are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor
- The vibrant colors make them visually appealing, while their versatility allows for endless dipping options
- Perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite main course
I still chuckle when I think about how my cousin tried to put ketchup on these fries, only to be met with a playful eye roll from everyone else.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, unblemished potatoes for the best texture and flavor; they should feel heavy for their size.
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Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for the best taste; it enhances the sweetness of the fries during roasting.
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Salt: Sea salt works wonderfully here; it helps bring out the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes.
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Paprika: Smoked paprika adds depth and warmth; feel free to adjust based on your spice preference.
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Harissa Paste: This North African chili paste adds a delightful kick; look for it in jars or tubes in specialty stores.
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Mayonnaise: Use good-quality mayo as a base for your dipping sauce; it balances beautifully with harissa’s heat.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Those Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s warming up, peel and cut your sweet potatoes into thin wedges or sticks—aiming for uniformity ensures even cooking.
Toss in Flavorful Goodness: In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato wedges with olive oil, salt, smoked paprika, and any additional spices you love until they are evenly coated and glistening.
Arrange for Roasting Perfection: Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they have some space between them—nobody likes soggy fries!
Time to Roast!: Bake them in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through to achieve that crispy perfection all around.
Create Your Harissa Mayo Delight: While those fries are roasting away, mix mayonnaise with harissa paste in a small bowl until well combined. Adjust the amount of harissa based on your heat tolerance—go wild if you’re feeling adventurous!
Serve and Enjoy! : Once your fries are done baking and sizzling hot, serve them immediately alongside your homemade harissa mayo. Watch as friends and family dive into this flavorful feast!
Enjoying Sweet Potato Fries with Harissa Mayo is like being wrapped in a warm blanket of flavor while taking an exciting trip down culinary lane. So grab those sweet potatoes and let’s turn that oven on!
You Must Know
- Sweet potato fries with harissa mayo are a delicious and healthy alternative to regular fries
- The sweet potatoes offer a satisfying crunch, while the harissa mayo adds a spicy kick, making every bite an adventure
- These fries are perfect for snacking or as a side dish
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cutting the sweet potatoes into even strips for uniform cooking. Toss them in olive oil and seasonings before baking at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for maximum crispiness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with spices like paprika or garlic powder. You can also try using different dipping sauces like garlic aioli or tzatziki for variety and a flavor explosion.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover sweet potato fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly crispy sweet potato fries, ensure they’re well spaced on the baking tray
- Avoid overcrowding; this helps them cook evenly without steaming
- For extra flavor, soak cut fries in water beforehand to remove excess starch!
Sometimes, my friends ask how I make these fries disappear faster than you can say “harissa mayo.” They’re always a hit at gatherings—especially when someone daringly dives into that spicy sauce!
FAQ
What is harissa mayo?
Harissa mayo is a spicy condiment made by mixing harissa paste with mayonnaise.
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, regular potatoes work well but will taste different due to their starch content.
How can I make these fries healthier?
Consider air frying instead of baking or using less oil for a lighter option.
Sweet Potato Fries with Harissa Mayo
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Sweet Potato Fries with Harissa Mayo are a delightful snack that combines crispy texture and vibrant flavor. These homemade fries are perfectly seasoned and paired with a spicy harissa mayo dip that elevates every bite. Ideal for parties or cozy evenings at home, this dish is sure to impress and leave your taste buds craving more.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Peel and cut sweet potatoes into even-sized wedges or sticks.
- Toss sweet potato wedges with olive oil, salt, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
- Spread seasoned fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- While fries bake, mix mayonnaise with harissa paste in a small bowl.
- Serve hot fries with harissa mayo for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: North African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: For extra crispiness, soak cut sweet potatoes in water for 30 minutes before cooking. Experiment with different spices like garlic powder or cayenne for added flavor.