Maple Bacon Hasselback Kumera/Sweet Potato

SERVES 4-6
Prep time 15mins
cook time 1hr

This side dish is beautiful and knockout delicious, making it perfect for a side to a special roast dinner, but easy enough for everyday.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 slices of bacon, diced
  • 4 medium kumera or sweet potatoes
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt

Maple Spice Mix:

  • 125g butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • ½ cup pecans, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt

METHOD: 

  1. Preheat oven to 190°C. 
  2. Preheat a 30cm skillet or pan over medium heat for 5 minutes, then cook bacon until done, about 10 minutes. Drain the grease from the pan and set aside. 
  3. Make horizontal slices in the kumera about ½ cm apart, being careful not to slice all the way through to the bottom. 
  4. Place potatoes in the cast iron pan, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Add ¼ cup water to the bottom of the pan, and cover. Steam potatoes in covered pan over medium heat for 10 minutes. 
  5. Meanwhile, make maple spice mixture. Combine melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. 
  6. After potatoes have finished steaming, remove lid from the pan and bake in oven on middle rack for 35 minutes. 
  7. Remove potatoes from oven and turn it up to 210°C. Spoon maple spice mixture into each sliver of potatoes, sprinkle with bacon and a pinch of salt, and bake for 15 more minutes.