Charred Sweet Potatoes with Toum

Ingredients for Charred Sweet Potatoes with Toum

• 240ml grapeseed or vegetable oil

• 80ml garlic cloves (6–8)

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• Kosher salt

• 8 small sweet potatoes (about 675g), scrubbed

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 2 teaspoons nigella seeds (optional)

• Flaky sea salt

Chill oil in freezer 30 minutes (this helps the sauce emulsify). Pulse garlic in a blender with lemon juice, 60ml cold oil, and 1 tablespoon ice water until smooth. With motor running, very gradually and steadily stream in 120ml oil (you don't want to risk having the emulsion split). Scrape down sides and continue to blend, slowly adding remaining 60ml oil, until a slightly thick sauce forms (it should cling to a spoon). Add 1 more Tbsp. ice water, season with kosher salt, and pulse again to combine. This whole process will occupy 8–10 minutes. Take your time! Transfer toum to a medium bowl.

Place a rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 204°C. Place sweet potatoes in a large heavy skillet, preferably cast iron. The pan should be large enough so that sweet potatoes cover only half of the pan. Pour in just enough water to barely coat bottom of pan. Cover tightly with foil and bake sweet potatoes until tender, 30–35 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool; reserve skillet. Slice sweet potatoes in half lengthwise.

Return reserved skillet to rack and heat 20 minutes. Remove skillet from oven and swirl 2 tablespoons butter around in pan to coat. Add sweet potatoes, cut side down, and roast until edges are browned underneath and crisp, 18–25 minutes.

Spoon some toum on a plate or in shallow bowl and arrange sweet potatoes on top (save extra toum for another use). Stir remaining 2 tablespoons butter and honey in skillet and place over medium heat to warm. Drizzle honey butter over sweet potatoes. Sprinkle with nigella seeds, if using, and sea salt.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.