Spiced Sweet Potato Fries with Smoked Paprika Aioli

Ingredients

For the Spiced Sweet Potato Fries:

• 2 large sweet potatoes (approx. 700-800g total)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Smoked Paprika Aioli:

• ½ cup (approx. 120g) good quality mayonnaise
• 1 clove garlic, minced very finely or grated
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Pinch of sea salt to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/Gas Mark 6). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into even-sized fries, about 1cm thick. Try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly.
2. Season the Fries: In a large bowl, add the cut sweet potato fries. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat thoroughly. Sprinkle the cornflour over the fries and toss again until they are lightly coated. This helps achieve extra crispiness.
3. Add Spices: Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Toss everything together until the fries are evenly coated with the spices.
4. Roast the Fries: Spread the seasoned sweet potato fries in a single layer on the prepared baking tray. Ensure they are not overcrowded; use two trays if necessary to prevent steaming. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.
5. Make the Smoked Paprika Aioli: While the fries are roasting, prepare the aioli. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and fresh lemon juice. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the aioli is smooth. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed.
6. Serve: Once the sweet potato fries are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven. Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately with the homemade Smoked Paprika Aioli on the side for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

These Spiced Sweet Potato Fries are a fantastic side for almost any meal. They pair wonderfully with burgers, grilled chicken, fish and chips (for an elevated twist), or as part of a larger tapas spread. They're also delicious on their own as a satisfying snack.

Pairing Tips

The earthy sweetness of the sweet potatoes and the smoky, creamy aioli make this dish incredibly versatile for drink pairings:

• Craft Lager or Pilsner: The crisp, clean finish of a good lager will cut through the richness of the aioli and refresh the palate.
• Pale Ale or Session IPA: The moderate hop bitterness and citrus notes in these beers can provide a lovely contrast to the sweet potato and enhance the smoky paprika.
• Amber Ale or Red Ale: The malty caramel notes in an amber ale will beautifully complement the sweetness of the potatoes.
• Dry Cider: A crisp, dry cider offers a tart counterpoint to the sweetness of the fries and cleanses the palate effectively.
• Smoked Porter or Stout: For a more adventurous pairing, a smoked porter can echo the paprika's smokiness, while a rich stout can stand up to the flavours and offer a decadent contrast.