Smashed Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients

• 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-in-thick rounds
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• flaky salt
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 ground cayenne pepper
• 4 tbsp (1/2 stick) salted butter, at room temperature
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 F.
2. On a baking sheet, combine the sweet potatoes, olive oil, and a pinch of pink salt. Toss to coat. Arrange in an even layer. Bake for 20 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together the maple syrup, cinnamon, and cayenne. Remove the potatoes from the oven and drizzle the maple mixture over them. Return to the oven and bake until the potatoes are tender, 15 minutes more.
4. Remove the potatoes from the oven. Using a fork, flip them over, then gently press down to lightly smash the potatoes, keeping the rounds mostly intact. Set the oven to broil, return the potatoes once more, and cook until lightly charred, another 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Transfer the potatoes to a serving platter. Generously smear the butter on top of each potato slice. Sprinkle them with the sesame seeds, and flaky salt. Serve warm.