ROASTED SWEET POTATO SALAD WITH BLACK BEANS AND CHILE DRESSING

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad With Black Beans and Chile Dressing image

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.

Provided by Mark Bittman

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

4 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
1 large onion, preferably red, chopped
1/2 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

Steps:

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.
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.
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.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 501, UnsaturatedFat 23 grams, Carbohydrate 56 grams, Fat 28 grams, Fiber 14 grams, Protein 11 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 950 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams