Sweet potatoes are one of the most versatile and nutrient-dense vegetables out there. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a great addition to any meal. But, did you know that there are countless ways to cook with sweet potatoes beyond the traditional baked or mashed varieties? In this article, we’ll explore 9 unique ways to cook with sweet potatoes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
1. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas (379 calories per serving)
If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, these Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas are a must-try. They’re packed with flavor, protein, and nutrients, making them a satisfying meal that won’t leave you feeling weighed down. Plus, they’re vegetarian and gluten-free, so they’re perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Ingredients:
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 corn tortillas
1 cup enchilada sauce
1 cup shredded cheese
Cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the sweet potatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and lightly browned.
Add the black beans, red pepper, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the spices are fragrant.
In a separate skillet, warm the tortillas until they’re pliable.
Spoon the sweet potato and black bean mixture onto each tortilla, then roll them up tightly and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
Pour the enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled-up tortillas, then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with cilantro and serve hot. Enjoy!
2. Sweet Potato and Kale Salad with Quinoa (350 calories per serving)
This Sweet Potato and Kale Salad with Quinoa is a healthy and hearty dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s loaded with fiber, protein, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious meal that will leave you feeling satisfied.
Ingredients:
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 bunch kale, stemmed and chopped
1 cup quinoa, cooked
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup toasted pecans
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, then toss to coat.
Roast the sweet potatoes for 20-25 minutes, until they’re tender and lightly browned.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the kale, cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans.
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the kale mixture and toss to coat.
Add the roasted sweet potatoes to the bowl and gently toss to combine.
Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
3. Sweet Potatoes and Black Bean Burgers (350 calories per serving)
These Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burgers are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. They’re packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, making them a satisfying meal that will leave you feeling energized.
Ingredients:
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 whole wheat burger buns
Toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, etc.)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, black beans, rolled oats, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Mash the ingredients together with a potato masher or fork until they’re well combined.
Form the mixture into 4 patties and place them on a greased baking sheet.
Bake the patties for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re lightly browned and crispy on the outside.
Toast the burger buns in the oven or on a grill pan.
Assemble the burgers with the patties and toppings of your choice. Enjoy!
4. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos (320 calories per serving)
These Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos are a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. They’re packed with flavor and nutrients, making them a satisfying and healthy meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 corn tortillas
Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the sweet potatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and lightly browned.
Add the black beans, red pepper, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the spices are fragrant.
Warm the tortillas in a separate skillet until they’re pliable.
Spoon the sweet potato and black bean mixture onto each tortilla, then add your favorite toppings (lettuce, tomato, avocado, salsa, etc.).
Serve hot and enjoy!
5. Sweet Potatoes Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Sauce (420 calories per serving)
This Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Sauce is a delicious and impressive meal that’s perfect for a special occasion. The gnocchi is tender and pillowy, while the brown butter sage sauce adds a rich and nutty flavor.
Ingredients:
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter
10-12 fresh sage leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Boil the sweet potatoes in a pot of salted water for 15-20 minutes, until they’re tender.
Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them in a mixing bowl until they’re smooth.
Add the flour, parmesan cheese, beaten egg, salt, and nutmeg to the bowl and mix until the dough comes together.
Flour a clean work surface and turn the dough out onto it.
Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces, then roll each piece into a long rope that’s about 1 inch thick.
Cut the ropes into bite-sized pieces (about 1 inch each) and roll them gently with a fork to create ridges on the surface.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi in batches for 2-3 minutes, until they float to the surface.
In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the fresh sage leaves and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the butter turns brown and nutty.
Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat in the brown butter sage sauce.
Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and fresh sage leaves, if desired.
6. Sweet Potato Fries with Spicy Aioli (300 calories per serving)
These Sweet Potato Fries with Spicy Aioli are a healthier twist on classic french fries. They’re oven-baked, crispy, and loaded with flavor, while the spicy aioli adds a kick that’s sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients:
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato fries, cornstarch, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat. Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re crispy and golden brown. While the fries are baking, mix together the mayonnaise and sriracha sauce in a small bowl to make the spicy aioli.
Serve the fries hot, with the spicy aioli for dipping. Enjoy!
7. Sweet Potato and Coconut Curry (350 calories per serving)
This Sweet Potato and Coconut Curry is a flavorful and comforting meal that’s perfect for a cold winter day. It’s packed with warming spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender sweet potatoes, making it a satisfying and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 can coconut milk
1 cup vegetable broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the sweet potatoes, chickpeas, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
Add the curry powder, cumin, ginger, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Cook for another minute, until the spices are fragrant.
Add the coconut milk and vegetable broth to the skillet, then stir to combine.
Simmer the curry for 15-20 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened.
Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Serve the curry hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, over cooked rice.
8. Sweet Potatoes and Apple Hash (280 calories per serving)
This Sweet Potato and Apple Hash is a sweet and savory breakfast dish that’s perfect for a lazy weekend morning. The sweet potatoes and apples are caramelized to perfection, while the bacon and eggs add a salty and satisfying element.
Ingredients:
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
2 apples, peeled and diced
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 eggs
Instructions:
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Add the sweet potatoes, apples, onion, and garlic to the skillet with the bacon grease. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and caramelized.
Add the cooked bacon back to the skillet and stir to combine.
In a separate skillet, cook the eggs to your liking (fried, scrambled, poached, etc.).
Season the hash with salt and pepper, to taste.
Serve the hash hot, with the eggs on top. Enjoy!
9. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Soup (280 calories per serving)
This Sweet Potato and Black Bean Soup is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly night. It’s packed with fiber, protein, and nutrients, making it a healthy and delicious meal that’s easy to make.
Ingredients:
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
4 cups vegetable broth
Salt and pepper, to taste
Sour cream, for garnish
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the sweet potatoes, black beans, onion, and garlic to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
Add the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to the pot. Cook for another minute, until the spices are fragrant.
Add the vegetable broth to the pot and bring the soup to a simmer.
Simmer the soup for 20-25 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Season the soup with salt and pepper, to taste.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro. Enjoy!
Top 3 FAQ’s About Sweet Potatoes:
- Are sweet potatoes healthy?
Yes, sweet potatoes are a nutritious and healthy food. They’re a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and iron. They’re also low in calories and fat, making them a good choice for weight management. - What’s the best way to cook sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, roasting, boiling, and steaming. Baking or roasting them in the oven is a popular method that brings out their natural sweetness and results in a crispy exterior and tender interior. Boiling or steaming them is a quick and easy way to cook them, but can result in a softer texture. - Are sweet potatoes and yams the same thing?
No, sweet potatoes and yams are not the same thing, although the terms are often used interchangeably. Sweet potatoes are a root vegetable that are grown in many parts of the world, including the United States, while yams are native to Africa and Asia. Sweet potatoes are typically orange or yellow in color and have a sweet flavor, while yams are more starchy and have a drier texture. In the United States, what is often labeled as “yams” in grocery stores are actually just a variety of sweet potatoes.
Well, folks, it’s been a tubular tuberific time exploring the world of sweet potatoes with you! We’ve whipped up nine unique and delicious recipes, from salads to soups, and answered some burning questions about this fantastic root vegetable.
Remember, sweet potatoes are not only yummy but also incredibly nutritious, making them a great addition to your diet. And with so many ways to cook them, you can never get bored!
So go ahead, try out these recipes and impress your family and friends with your newfound sweet potato skills. Who knows, maybe you’ll even become the sweet potato guru in your neighborhood!
Until next time, stay sweet and don’t forget to sprinkle some brown sugar on those sweet potato fries for an extra treat. Bye for now!
