Spice up your meals these sweet potato recipes

Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile and packed with nutrients. They are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a healthy addition to any diet. Whether you roast, mash, bake, or puree them, sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and vibrant colour to any dish.

In this blog post, we've compiled a variety of mouthwatering sweet potato recipes that are sure to spice up your meals. From savoury mains to sweet treats, these recipes showcase the incredible flexibility of sweet potatoes and how they can be used in a wide range of dishes. So, whether you're hosting a dinner party, looking for a quick weeknight meal, or simply wanting to add more variety to your cooking, these recipes will inspire you to get creative with this nutritious and delicious root vegetable.

So, grab your apron and get ready to discover a whole new world of sweet potato possibilities!

Sweet Potato Fries Three Ways

We will be sharing with you in this section, the three ways you can make sweet potato fries.

Classic Baked Sweet Potato Fries

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to regular fries, classic baked sweet potato fries are the way to go. Not only are they delicious, but they're also packed with nutrients and easy to make. To start off, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Ingredients

● 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries

● 2 tablespoons olive oil

● 1 teaspoon salt

● 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

● 1/2 teaspoon paprika

● 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.

2. Arrange the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they're not overcrowded.

3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.

 

Spicy Cajun Sweet Potato Fries

For those who like a little kick in their fries, spicy Cajun sweet potato fries are a perfect choice. With the right blend of spices, these fries are full of Flavour and heat. Get ready to spice things up!

Ingredients

● 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries

● 2 tablespoons olive oil

● 1 teaspoon salt

● 1 teaspoon paprika

● 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

● 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

● 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

● 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

● 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme until well coated.

2. Spread the fries out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're crispy and slightly charred.

Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries

If you're a fan of the rich and savoury Flavours of garlic and Parmesan, then these sweet potato fries are for you. They are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and garlicky goodness.

Ingredients

● 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries

● 2 tablespoons olive oil

● 2 cloves garlic, minced

● 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

● 1 teaspoon salt

● 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

● 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and dried rosemary until evenly coated.

2. Arrange the fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy, flipping them halfway through.

Benefits of Homemade Sweet Potato Fries Over Store-Bought

There are several benefits to making your sweet potato fries at home rather than buying them from the store. First and foremost, homemade sweet potato fries allow you to control the ingredients and customize the Flavour to your liking. You can adjust the seasonings, spice levels, and cooking methods to suit your preferences and dietary restrictions.

Homemade sweet potato fries are typically healthier than store-bought ones. When you make them at home, you can choose healthier cooking methods, such as baking or air-frying, which reduces the amount of oil and fat used in the cooking process. You also have the option to use high-quality ingredients, such as organic sweet potatoes and heart-healthy oils, to enhance the nutritional value of the fries.

Making sweet potato fries at home can be a fun and rewarding culinary experience. You can get creative with different seasonings, dips, and cooking techniques, turning a simple side dish into a Flavourful and exciting part of your meal. Plus, you can involve friends and family in the cooking process, making it a collaborative and enjoyable activity.

 

Comforting Sweet Potato Casseroles

Let's take a look at sweet potato casserole dishes.

Traditional Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping

This sweet and savoury side dish is perfect for any holiday gathering or cozy family dinner. It's a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds, so get ready to impress your guests with this mouthwatering recipe.

Ingredients

For the sweet potato filling:

● 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes

● 1/2 cup granulated sugar

● 1/2 cup milk

● 1/4 cup melted butter

● 2 eggs

● 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

● 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the pecan streusel topping:

● 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

● 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

● 1/3 cup chopped pecans

● 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions

1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.

3: Transfer the sweet potato mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

4: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, chopped pecans, and melted butter until it forms a crumbly streusel topping.

5: Sprinkle the pecan streusel topping over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish.

6: Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set.

7: Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Marshmallow-Topped Sweet Potato Casserole

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of making this marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole that will knock the socks off your guests.

Ingredients

First off, gather your ingredients:

- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes

- 1/2 cup white sugar

- 2 eggs, beaten

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1/2 cup milk

- 1/2 cup butter, melted

- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

- 3/4 cup chopped pecans

- 2 cups miniature marshmallows

Instructions

1. Now, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the sweet potatoes, white sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and melted butter. Spread this mixture into the prepared baking dish.

3. In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar and flour. Stir in the chopped pecans, then sprinkle the mixture over the sweet potato mixture. Top it all off with a layer of marshmallows.

4. Pop the dish in the oven and let it bake for about 25 minutes or until the marshmallows are golden brown.

 

Savoury Spinach and Feta Sweet Potato Casserole

If you're looking to switch things up and add a savoury twist to your sweet potato casserole, then this recipe is just what you need. The combination of sweet potatoes, spinach, and feta cheese creates a delectable dish that's perfect for both weeknight dinners and holiday feasts.

Ingredients

● 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

● 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

● 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

● 1/2 cup milk

● 2 cloves garlic, minced

● 1 teaspoon dried thyme

● Salt and pepper to taste

● 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

● 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

● 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a casserole dish.

2. Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of boiling water and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and mash them with a potato masher until smooth.

3. In a skillet, sauté the chopped spinach and minced garlic until the spinach wilts, then remove from heat.

4. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sautéed spinach, feta cheese, milk, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.

5. Transfer the sweet potato mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.

6. In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the sweet potato mixture in the casserole dish.

7. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

8. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for making the perfect sweet potato casserole:

● For an extra Flavour boost, consider adding caramelised onions or roasted garlic to the sweet potato mixture.

● If you're short on time, you can use frozen spinach instead of fresh. Just be sure to thaw and drain the spinach before adding it to the sweet potato mixture.

● Don't be afraid to get creative with the toppings! Try adding crispy bacon, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a unique twist on this classic dish.

 

Sweet and savoury Sweet Potato Salads

Sweet and savoury Sweet Potato Salads are a fantastic way to enjoy the delicious sweetness of sweet potatoes in a refreshing and satisfying salad. Whether you're a fan of maple bacon, tangy apple and cranberry, or vegan roasted vegetables, there's a sweet potato salad recipe that's sure to tantalize your taste buds. Let's explore some creative ways to incorporate sweet potatoes into salads that will add a burst of Flavour and nutrition to your meals.

Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Salad

This indulgent salad combines the smoky Flavour of bacon with the natural sweetness of maple syrup and sweet potatoes. To make this delightful dish, start by roasting cubes of sweet potatoes until they're tender and caramelized. Meanwhile, crisp up some bacon until it's golden and crunchy. Once the sweet potatoes and bacon are ready, toss them together with a generous drizzle of maple syrup, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme. The result is a mouthwatering salad that perfectly balances savoury, sweet, and salty Flavours.

Tangy Apple and Cranberry Sweet Potato Salad

For a lighter and more refreshing sweet potato salad, look no further than this tangy apple and cranberry recipe. Begin by roasting sweet potato chunks to bring out their natural sweetness and earthy Flavour. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare a zesty dressing using apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey. Toss the roasted sweet potatoes with crisp apple slices, plump cranberries, and the tangy dressing for a salad that's bursting with vibrant colours and Flavours. This salad is perfect for brightening up any meal with its refreshing and tangy taste.

 

Vegan Roasted Vegetable Sweet Potato Salad

If you're looking for a hearty and satisfying sweet potato salad that's completely plant-based, this vegan roasted vegetable recipe is just what you need. Start by roasting a variety of colourful vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion, until they're tender and caramelised. While the vegetables are roasting, prepare a simple vinaigrette using Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and a drizzle of olive oil. Once the roasted vegetables are ready, toss them with roasted sweet potato chunks, the zesty vinaigrette, and a handful of chopped fresh herbs for a delightful salad that's packed with Flavour and nutrients.

Creative Ways to Incorporate Sweet Potatoes into Salads

Aside from the delicious recipes mentioned above, there are countless creative ways to incorporate sweet potatoes into salads. One idea is to spiralize sweet potatoes to create colourful and nutritious sweet potato noodles. These sweet potato noodles can be enjoyed raw in a salad or lightly sautéed for a warm and comforting dish. Another creative approach is to mash cooked sweet potatoes and use them as a creamy and Flavourful base for a salad dressing. The natural sweetness and velvety texture of mashed sweet potatoes will elevate any salad dressing to a whole new level of deliciousness.

You can also grill sweet potato slices and use them as a unique and nutritious addition to any salad. The smoky and slightly caramelized Flavour of grilled sweet potatoes adds a delightful twist to traditional salad ingredients. Another innovative idea is to incorporate finely grated raw sweet potatoes into slaws and salads for a crunchy and subtly sweet texture. Whether you're craving a light and refreshing salad or a hearty and satisfying one, sweet potatoes offer endless possibilities for adding Flavour, colour, and nutritional benefits to your meals.

 

Hearty Sweet Potato Soups and Stews

When it comes to comfort and warmth, sweet potato-based soups and stews are the epitome of cozy, hearty meals. These dishes are not only delicious and satisfying but also packed full of nutrients. Whether you're craving something creamy and spicy or hearty and filling, there's a sweet potato soup or stew recipe out there for you. Let's take a closer look at three fantastic recipes that will surely warm you up from the inside out.

Creamy Coconut and Curry Sweet Potato Soup

This creamy and aromatic soup combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the richness of coconut milk and the warm, earthy Flavours of curry. The result is a luxurious and comforting dish that will transport your taste buds to new heights. The creamy texture and bold Flavours make this soup a perfect choice for a chilly evening when you need something to warm your soul. It's also a great option for those who love a hint of exotic Flavours in their comfort food.

 

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Stew

This hearty stew combines the heartiness of black beans with the subtle sweetness of sweet potatoes, creating a satisfying and nutritious meal. The combination of earthy, savoury beans and sweet, creamy potatoes makes for a truly comforting dish that will leave you feeling nourished and content. This stew is perfect for those looking for a filling and wholesome meal that can be enjoyed any time of the year.

Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili

If you're in the mood for something a little spicy and a lot comforting, look no further than this turkey and sweet potato chili. The combination of tender turkey, sweet potatoes, and a Flavourful blend of spices creates a chili that's guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out. This hearty and satisfying dish is perfect for a cozy night in or for sharing with friends and family at a casual gathering.

 

Delectable Sweet Potato Desserts

Sweet potatoes are not only a staple in savoury dishes, but they also shine in delectable sweet desserts. Their natural sweetness and creamy texture make them a versatile and surprising ingredient for creating mouth-watering treats. In this section, we will explore three irresistible sweet potato dessert recipes that will have you falling in love with this versatile root vegetable all over again.

 

Sweet Potato Pie with Whipped Cream Topping

There's nothing quite like a classic sweet potato pie with a dollop of whipped cream on top. The smooth and velvety texture of the sweet potato filling, combined with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creates a flavour profile that is both comforting and indulgent. The flaky crust provides the perfect base for this luscious dessert, making it a must-have for any sweet potato lover.

 

Sweet Potato and Pecan Blondies

Blondies are the lesser-known cousin of brownies, and when you add sweet potatoes and pecans into the mix, you get a truly impressive dessert. The sweet potato adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the blondie batter, while the crunchy pecans provide a delightful contrast in texture. These blondies are perfect for a midday snack or a sweet ending to any meal.

Chocolate-Dipped Sweet Potato Truffles

If you're looking for a sophisticated and unique sweet potato dessert, look no further than chocolate-dipped sweet potato truffles. The sweet potato filling is mixed with aromatic spices and coated in rich, dark chocolate, creating a luxurious bite-sized treat. These truffles are perfect for gifting or for serving at elegant gatherings, showcasing the surprising versatility of sweet potatoes in the world of desserts.

With all these delectable sweet potato recipes at your fingertips, there's no excuse not to incorporate this nutritious and delicious ingredient into your meals. So go ahead and explore these recipes, and treat yourself to the wonderful taste and health benefits of sweet potatoes. Whether you're craving something savoury, sweet, or somewhere in between, there's a sweet potato recipe here for you to enjoy. You can visit our online store at Niyis.co.uk or our physical store at Reading, UK, to buy your sweet potatoes.