Roasted Japanese Sweet Potatoes with Basil Pesto

1.8K

This Roasted Japanese Sweet Potatoes with Basil Pesto post was originally written in January 2020. I most recently updated this in November 2022 to update my basil pesto recipe.

Ever had that moment when you remember your freezer contains something amazing you made a while back? Last week I rediscovered the pesto I made in September and have been adding it to EVERYTHING. Initially, I was worried the quality of the defrosted pesto wouldn’t be up to par, but it’s been perfect. Just let it sit in the fridge for a day and it’ll be ready to use. My favorite way to use it? Pairing it with roasted veggies.

Pesto Variations

This section was recently updated in November 2022.

There are so many ways to change up this pesto. I often adapt it based on what I have in my pantry and fridge (although right now we have a gigantic basil plant in our backyard, so it’s been almost exclusively basil recently). I’ve tried this with walnuts, pecans, and pumpkin seeds- all have a slightly woodier taste, so just keep that in mind. I think pine nuts are the most “pure” and “clean” tasting, although they are usually more expensive compared to other nuts.

If you don’t have basil or prefer to use a green that’s longer lasting, check out my arugula pesto recipe or if you’re feeling adventurous, try a different green like swiss chard.

Roasted Japanese Sweet Potatoes with Basil Pesto: Quick Tips for Success

This success to this super simple Roasted Japanese Sweet Potatoes with Basil Pesto is all in the details:

  1. Japanese Sweet Potatoes are one of my favorite varieties of potatoes. They are slightly sweet but have a more neutral flavor compared to normal sweet potatoes. Baby red potatoes also work great here.
  2. Browning! To caramelize and get perfectly brown and crispy sides, you need high heat. Place your baking sheet on the bottom rack and flip halfway through. Also make sure you add enough oil.
  3. Even dicing. This ensures that every piece can get perfectly brown and tender at the same time.
No ratings yet

Roasted Japanese Sweet Potatoes with Basil Pesto

Servings 2 large servings
  • 1 pound Japanese sweet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • sea salt or diamond kosher salt, to taste
  • 1/4 cup basil pesto, see below
  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • In a large bowl, toss sweet potatoes in olive oil, sea salt, and pepper. There should be enough oil that the potatoes are glistening, but not dripping in oil (and there shouldn’t be any excess in the bowl).
  • Spread potatoes onto a baking sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
  • Place baking sheet on bottom rack and roast until brown, about 30-40 minutes total. Check after 20. Once brown on one side, shake the whole pan (lazy but works method) or flip the potatoes with a spatula (more precise, but slightly time consuming method) and roast for an additional 10-15 minutes, until tender and brown on the other side.
  • Let cool slightly and then toss in basil pesto.
No ratings yet
Tried this recipe?Mention @Kate_Cooks_ or tag #katecooks!
5 from 1 vote

Basil Pesto

Servings 1 cup
Total Time 20 mins
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts, (56g)
  • juice of 1 lemon, (2 tablespoons/30g- which is usually about 2/3 of a lemon. Use the whole lemon for an extra lemony kick)
  • 2 tightly packed cups fresh basil leaves, (2 ounces)
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan, (about 1 ounce)
  • 1 teaspoon diamond kosher salt (if using any other salt, use half the amount)
  • 1/3- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Preheat oven to 375. Place pine nuts on baking sheet. Bake until golden brown, about 7-8 minutes. Set aside to slightly cool.
  • Place basil and garlic cloves in food processor. Process until finely chopped.
  • Add in pine nuts, lemon juice, and salt. Process until mixed well. Then either drizzle in olive oil or add in increments. Continue to taste and add in more olive oil until you achieve desired texture.
  • Store in airtight container for up to a week OR pour into an ice cube tray and freeze. Then put freezed pesto ice cubes in a freezer-safe bag or container and store up to a few months.
5 from 1 vote
Tried this recipe?Mention @Kate_Cooks_ or tag #katecooks!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Close
Your custom text © Copyright 2020. All rights reserved.
Close