Spicy Sweet Potato Home Fries
The smell of these Paleo home fries in the morning is enough to wake even the deepest of sleepers! The smoked paprika and red pepper flakes combined with sweet onion result in the perfect marriage of sweet and spicy. Enjoy the festivities!
Serves 4
11⁄2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
1 medium sweet onion, chopped
3 large sweet potatoes, chopped into bite-size chunks
1⁄2 teaspoon (10 ml) sea salt
1⁄2 teaspoon (10 ml) pepper
1⁄2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon (15 ml) minced garlic
1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried red pepper flakes
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the oil and chopped onion. (Note: If you don’t want the onions crispy and brown, add them once the potatoes have cooked halfway.)
- Season the sweet potato with salt, pepper, and paprika, then add the sweet potato to the skillet and brown before flipping. Continue to do this until potatoes reach a golden brown hue and you are able to easily pierce them with a fork, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Just before removing from heat, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes.
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Spicy sweet potato home fries are the crispy-edged breakfast potato that makes any plate complete — golden chunks of sweet potato browned in a hot skillet with sweet onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes. The trick is patience: let each side brown properly before turning. Crisp outside, creamy inside, and with just enough heat to wake up your taste buds.
Pro Tips
- Cut the sweet potato into uniform bite-size chunks so they cook through at the same rate and crisp evenly.
- Don't move the potatoes too soon — let each side get properly golden before flipping, about 3 to 4 minutes undisturbed per side.
- Add the garlic and red pepper flakes right at the end so the garlic doesn't burn and turn bitter during the long cook.
- If you prefer soft, sweet onions rather than crispy brown ones, add them once the potatoes are halfway done.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get crispy sweet potato home fries?
A hot pan, enough oil to coat, uniform cuts, and patience. The potatoes need to sit undisturbed against the heat to develop that golden crust.
Can I boil the potatoes first?
A 5-minute parboil speeds up cooking and gives softer centers with crisp edges. Just dry them thoroughly before they hit the pan.
Is this dish Paleo?
Yes — sweet potatoes, onion, garlic, oil, and spices. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, and it works for breakfast, lunch, or as a dinner side.
What goes well with home fries?
Fried eggs, bacon, or avocado. They're also excellent as a base for a breakfast bowl with sausage and greens.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the oil and chopped onion. (Note: If you don’t want the onions crispy and brown, add them once the potatoes have cooked halfway.)
- Season the sweet potato with salt, pepper, and paprika, then add the sweet potato to the skillet and brown before flipping.
- Continue to do this until potatoes reach a golden brown hue and you are able to easily pierce them with a fork, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
