Okay, you all, I’m clearly a little obsessed with my waffle iron but whatever! I have been dreaming of new, novel things to waffle-ize (yes, it’s a word because I decided) and the other night, it occurred to me that sweet potatoes were perfect for my new gadget. I’m not talking about sweet potato waffles, which are delicious and perfect as beta carotene-rich waffles, but actual sweet potato rounds pressed in the waffle iron to give yourself a new way to enjoy this pretty tuber. I simply cut it into rounds, baked and pressed. Sweet potatoes have never been more fun!
Ideally, you will want to pick a nice, wide sweet potato if you can find one. All waffle irons are a little different. You will have to adapt what worked for mine for your model but it should be worth it! My waffle iron is nonstick, so this is also a consideration for your process. You may want to spray with a little oil regardless.
1 large, wide sweet potato Olive oil to brush or spritz (optional: see note in recipe) Salt and pepper to taste Other seasonings like dried dill Toppings like vegan sour cream, BBQ sauce, scallions, chives, etc.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut the sweet potato into ¼ to ⅜ rounds width-wise. Arrange the rounds on your baking sheet, spritz or lightly brush the tops with oil, season as you like with salt, pepper and optional other seasonings. I did not try this without a light application of oil. I am guessing it would work fine without it if oil is a concern.
Bake for 15 minutes. Turn the pieces – a fork works great for this – lightly spritz or brush with oil again and season. Bake for another 15 minutes or until fork tender.
Heat up your waffle iron. When it is ready, press each round individually in the iron for about four minutes or until lightly browned on both sides. I found best results with lightly pressing the waffle iron down at the top to get the best waffle pattern pressed into the sweet potatoes and best caramelization.