sweet potato circles

This post is not only a new root vegetable highlight, but a fun kid-like way to cook them. This would also be perfect for children. It would be a great new way to introduce a new texture and new vegetable into their diet. Plus, its fun for them they can pick each one up and actively eat it.

The beautiful purplish thing you see below is a Japanese sweet potato. They have a smoother texture than your traditional orange sweet potato. They are both equally delicious and nutritious don't get me wrong, but there is something about these Japanese sweet potatoes that I really like.

Just 1 cup of these delicious beauties is packed with about 140 calories and 4 grams of dietary fiber. They are great for diabetics and folks who would like to stay away from heavy carbohydrates. Plus, they are loaded with antioxidants. How can you go wrong?

I found the great idea for these Sweet Potato Circles on a lovely food blog called Week of Menus . They are so insanely simple and totally satisfying.

Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees. It was recommended that you use a mandolin, but considering I do not have one I just took my time and cut them thin.

Add your circles to a bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt and pepper.

Then arrange them flat on a cookie sheet. Do not overlap the circle otherwise they will not brown properly.

Let them cook in the oven for about 15 minutes. I left mine in a little bit longer because I liked them a little more brown. You may want to flip them at least once during the cooking process so that they are evenly brown.

Serve them up with more vegetables, your favorite protein, a hearty salad and you have yourself a well balanced meal.

Enjoy !!!