Baked Sweet Potatoes with Chai-Spiced Butter

### 🍠 **Baked Sweet Potatoes with Chai-Spiced Butter** 🍠

Experience the warm and cozy flavors of autumn with these **Baked Sweet Potatoes with Chai-Spiced Butter**. This delightful dish combines the natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes with a rich, aromatic chai-spiced butter, making it a perfect side for any meal or a comforting treat on its own.

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### **Ingredients:**

– **4 sweet potatoes** (medium-sized) 🍠
– Look for firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin for the best results.

– **4 tbsp. salted butter** 🧈
– Use high-quality salted butter for a richer flavor. You can substitute with unsalted butter if you prefer to control the saltiness.

– **1 ½ tbsp. brown sugar** 🍬
– Light or dark brown sugar will work; dark brown sugar will provide a deeper molasses flavor.

– **½ tbsp. chai spice blend** 🌱
– You can use store-bought chai spice or make your own by mixing cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper.

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### **Instructions:**

#### 1. **Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:**

– **Wash the Sweet Potatoes:**
– Rinse the sweet potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt. Scrub them gently with a brush if necessary.

– **Pierce the Potatoes:**
– Use a fork to pierce the sweet potatoes several times. This allows steam to escape while baking, preventing them from bursting.

– **Arrange on Baking Sheet:**
– Place the pierced sweet potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup. Make sure they are spaced apart for even cooking.

#### 2. **Bake the Sweet Potatoes:**

– **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to **400°F (200°C)**.

– **Bake:**
– Bake the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for **45 minutes**, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. The baking time may vary depending on the size of the sweet potatoes; larger ones may need an additional 10-15 minutes.

#### 3. **Make the Chai-Spiced Butter:**

– **Soften the Butter:**
– While the sweet potatoes are baking, allow the **butter** to soften at room temperature until it is easily spreadable.

– **Mix Ingredients:**
– In a small bowl, whisk together the softened butter, **brown sugar**, and **chai spice blend** until well combined.

– **Chill:**
– Once mixed, transfer the chai-spiced butter to the refrigerator to firm up slightly while the sweet potatoes bake.

#### 4. **Assemble the Dish:**

– **Slice the Baked Sweet Potatoes:**
– After the sweet potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Carefully slice them in half lengthwise.

– **Top with Chai-Spiced Butter:**
– Generously dollop the chilled chai-spiced butter over the warm sweet potatoes. As it melts, it will soak into the sweet potatoes, adding a delightful flavor.

– **Add Additional Toppings (Optional):**
– Enhance the dish with toppings like chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness.

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### **Prep & Nutritional Info:**

– **Prep Time:** 5 minutes
– **Total Time:** 50 minutes
– **Servings:** 4
– **Calories:** Approximately 180-200 kcal per serving (calories may vary based on toppings).

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### **Serving Suggestions:**

These **Baked Sweet Potatoes with Chai-Spiced Butter** make a perfect side dish for:

– **Main Dishes:**
– Pair them with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a hearty vegetarian dish like lentil stew.

– **Salads:**
– Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad or a kale salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the sweetness of the potatoes.

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### **Cooking Tips:**

– **Check Doneness:**
– To ensure the sweet potatoes are perfectly cooked, insert a fork or knife into the center. If it goes in easily, they are done.

– **Chai Spice Variation:**
– Feel free to adjust the amount of chai spice to your taste; if you love spices, you can add more for an even bolder flavor.

– **Storage:**
– Leftover baked sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

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### **Final Thoughts:**

These **Baked Sweet Potatoes with Chai-Spiced Butter** are not only simple to prepare but also offer a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for the fall and winter months. Enjoy this delightful combination of flavors, and feel free to get creative with your toppings to make it your own! 🍂✨