Ingredients for Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Fresh Figs

• 4 small sweet potatoes (1.0kg / 1 kg in total)

• 80ml olive oil

• scant 45ml / 40 ml balsamic vinegar (you can use a commercial rather than a premium aged grade)

• 1 1/2 tablespoons / 20 g superfine sugar

• 12 spring onions, halved lengthwise and cut into 1 1/2-in / 4cm segments

• 1 red chilli, thinly sliced

• 6 ripe figs (240g / 240 g in total), quartered

• 140g / 150 g soft goat's milk cheese (optional)

• Maldon sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 246°C / 240°C.

Wash the sweet potatoes, halve them lengthwise, and then cut each half again similarly into 3 long wedges. Mix with 3 tablespoons of the olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt, and some black pepper. Spread the wedges out, skin side down, on a baking sheet and cook for about 25 minutes, until soft but not mushy. Remove from the oven and leave to cool down.

To make the balsamic reduction, place the balsamic vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then decrease the heat and simmer for 2 to 4 minutes, until it thickens. Be sure to remove the pan from the heat when the vinegar is still runnier than honey; it will continue to thicken as it cools. Stir in a drop of water before serving if it does become too thick to drizzle.

Arrange the sweet potatoes on a serving platter. Heat the remaining oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the spring onions and chilli. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often to make sure not to burn the chilli. Spoon the oil, onions, and chilli over the sweet potatoes. Dot the figs among the wedges and then drizzle over the balsamic reduction. Serve at room temperature. Crumble the cheese over the top, if using.

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.