Pan-Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Dried Cherries & Pecans

1. Halve sweet potatoes lengthwise, then cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Heat 1 tablespoon each oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the sweet potatoes and cook, turning once, until starting to brown in spots, 2 to 4 minutes total. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, turning frequently, until tender, 3 to 5 minutes more. Transfer to a large bowl; cover to keep warm. Repeat with 1 tablespoon oil and the remaining butter and sweet potatoes. Transfer to the bowl and keep covered.

2. Meanwhile, combine honey, tamari, Aleppo pepper, turmeric, salt and pepper in a small bowl.

3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and bacon to the pan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until the bacon is crispy, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the honey mixture and simmer, stirring, for 30 seconds. Remove from heat.

4. Return the sweet potatoes to the pan along with cherries and nuts; toss to coat. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips

Tips: Named for the Syrian town, crushed dried Aleppo pepper has a moderate heat with a hint of fruity tang. Use it as you would other crushed chile peppers. Find it in specialty markets and from online spice purveyors.