If you love a combination of sweet and spicy flavors, this Caribbean-inspired appetizer is right up your alley. These sweet potato fries are irresistibly crispy and lightly coated with an authentically spicy jerk seasoning. Served with a scotch bonnet mango dipping sauce, this recipe ticks all the boxes when it comes to island flavor fusions.
Jerk seasoning is an essential element of Jamaican cuisine. The bold, smokey flavors pair perfectly with the subtle sweetness of the potatoes. Scotch bonnet peppers, with their vibrant colors and fiery heat, are a staple in Caribbean cooking. Blended with a tropical mango puree, it makes the perfect dip for fries or a tantalizing sauce for a burger.
Ingredients:
For the Jerk Sweet Potato Fries:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Jamaican jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Homemade Dry Jerk Seasoning Mix Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your preferred spice level)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Scotch Bonnet Mango Dipping Sauce:
- 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1-2 Scotch bonnet peppers, seeds and membrane removed (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
For the Jerk Sweet Potato Fries:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, Jamaican jerk seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the fries are well-coated.
- Arrange the seasoned sweet potato fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have some space between them to crisp up.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.
For the Scotch Bonnet Mango Dipping Sauce:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the diced mango, Scotch bonnet peppers (start with one, you can add more for extra heat), fresh cilantro, lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt.
- Blend until you have a smooth sauce. Taste and adjust the honey, salt, and additional Scotch bonnet pepper if you desire more heat. Blend again if needed.
