Start with sweet potatoes, which are in season, beautiful and cheap, and roast them with red onion and olive oil. Roasting instead of boiling makes a huge difference: not only do you get a rich, smoky flavor, but the peeled exterior is toughened a bit so that the potatoes stay intact when tossed with the other ingredients. You can serve this sweet potato salad warm or at room temperature; it’s great both ways.

Ingredients

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 large onion, preferably red, chopped
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons minced fresh hot chili, like jalapeño
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 2 cups cooked black beans, drained (canned are fine)
  • 1 red or yellow bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
  • 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Nutritional Information
    • Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

      541 calories; 27 grams fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 19 grams monounsaturated fat; 3 grams polyunsaturated fat; 65 grams carbohydrates; 15 grams dietary fiber; 9 grams sugars; 11 grams protein; 229 milligrams sodium

    • Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available data.

4 servings

Preparation

  1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Put sweet potatoes and onions on a large baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil, toss to coat and spread out in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast, turning occasionally, until potatoes begin to brown on corners and are just tender inside, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from oven; keep on pan until ready to mix with dressing.
  2. Put chilies in a blender or mini food processor along with garlic, lime juice, remaining olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Process until blended.
  3. Put warm vegetables in a large bowl with beans and bell pepper; toss with dressing and cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm or at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to a day.

45 minutes

Dining and Cooking