Simple Ways To Use Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of dishes. They are nutritious, delicious, and can be prepared in many different ways.

I like to grab a lot of sweet potatoes from the store when they go on sale for 20 cents or less per pound around thanksgiving. They last a long time in the kitchen allowing me to have plenty of time to use this nutritious vegetable. Sometimes when I have the extra containers from growing potatoes I take some leftover sweet potatoes that has sprouted to grow sweet potatoes myself.

Baked sweet potato: Baking sweet potatoes is one of the easiest and simplest ways to cook them. Simply wash the sweet potatoes, prick them with a fork to create some ventilation, and then bake them in the oven for around 45 minutes at 400°F. Once the sweet potatoes are soft and tender, you can serve them with some butter, salt, and pepper for a delicious and healthy side dish.

Sweet potato fries: Sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to regular french fries, and they’re just as delicious! To make sweet potato fries, cut sweet potatoes into thin strips, toss them in some olive oil, and then bake them in the oven for around 20-25 minutes at 400°F. You can season them with some salt, pepper, and paprika for extra flavor.

Sweet potato mash: Sweet potato mash is a comforting and delicious side dish that is perfect for cold weather. To make sweet potato mash, boil sweet potatoes until they’re soft and tender, then mash them with some butter and milk. Season the mash with some salt and pepper to taste. You can also add some cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.

Sweet potato casserole: Sweet potato casserole is a classic holiday dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas. To make sweet potato casserole, layer sliced sweet potatoes in a baking dish, then top them with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Bake the casserole in the oven until the sweet potatoes are tender and the topping is crispy and golden brown.

Sweet potato soup: Sweet potato soup is a warming and comforting soup that is perfect for chilly days. To make sweet potato soup, cook sweet potatoes with some broth, onion, garlic, and spices until they’re soft and tender. Then, blend everything together in a blender until smooth and creamy. You can also add some cream or coconut milk for extra richness.

Sweet potato pie: Sweet potato pie is a delicious dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. To make sweet potato pie, mix mashed sweet potatoes with some eggs, milk, sugar, and spices. Then, pour the mixture into a pie crust and bake it in the oven until the filling is set and golden brown.

Sweet potato salad: Sweet potato salad is a healthy and flavorful salad that is perfect for summer picnics and barbecues. To make sweet potato salad, roast some sweet potatoes in the oven, then combine them with other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and carrots. Dress the salad with a tangy vinaigrette made from olive oil, vinegar, and Dijon mustard.

Sweet potato and black bean tacos: Sweet potato and black bean tacos are a healthy and delicious meal that is perfect for Meatless Mondays. To make sweet potato and black bean tacos, mash some cooked sweet potatoes with black beans, salsa, and avocado. Serve the mixture in warm tortillas with some chopped cilantro and lime wedges.

Sweet potato curry: Sweet potato curry is a spicy and aromatic dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. To make sweet potato curry, cook sweet potatoes with coconut milk, curry powder, ginger, garlic, and other vegetables like onions and peppers. Serve the curry over rice or with some naan bread.

Sweet potato and bacon hash: Sweet potato and bacon hash is a hearty and savory breakfast or brunch dish that is perfect for lazy weekends.

To make sweet potato and bacon hash, start by frying some bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside. Then, dice some sweet potatoes and add them to the skillet along with some diced onions and peppers.

Fry everything together until the sweet potatoes are tender and crispy on the outside. Crumble the bacon and sprinkle it over the top of the sweet potato hash. Serve the dish hot with some fried eggs on top.

Sweet potato pancakes: Add mashed sweet potatoes to your pancake batter for a nutritious and flavorful breakfast.

Sweet potato gnocchi: Mix mashed sweet potatoes with flour and eggs to make a delicious and unique type of gnocchi.

Sweet potato hummus: Blend cooked sweet potatoes with chickpeas, garlic, and tahini to make a healthy and flavorful hummus.

Sweet potato enchiladas: Roll mashed sweet potatoes and black beans in tortillas and top them with enchilada sauce and cheese for a delicious and vegetarian-friendly meal.

Sweet potato and kale gratin: Layer sliced sweet potatoes and kale in a baking dish with cream and cheese, then bake everything together until golden and bubbly.

In addition to these simple ways to use sweet potatoes in cooking, there are countless other ways to incorporate this versatile ingredient into your meals. Sweet potatoes can be roasted, grilled, boiled, or fried, and they pair well with a wide variety of flavors and ingredients. Some other ideas for using sweet potatoes in cooking include:

Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish, a comforting soup, or a delicious dessert, sweet potatoes are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in a wide variety of dishes. So next time you’re at the grocery store, pick up some sweet potatoes and experiment with some of these delicious recipes!