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Sweet Potato Recipes





Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

Description

Discover the best Sweet Potato Recipes! This savory casserole combines sweet potatoes with herbs and a crispy topping. This Savory Sweet Potato Casserole is a delightful twist on the traditional sweet potato recipes. Instead of the usual sugary toppings, this dish combines sweet potatoes with savory herbs and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. It’s perfect for a holiday side dish or a comforting weeknight meal. The blend of creamy sweet potatoes with savory spices and the crispy, golden topping creates a unique and satisfying flavor profile that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients – Sweet Potato Recipes

For the Filling:

  • 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions Step-by-Step for Savory Sweet Potato Recipes Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
  2. Cook Sweet Potatoes: Place the sweet potato chunks in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. Saute Onions and Garlic: While the sweet potatoes are cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Mash and Season the Sweet Potatoes

  1. Mash Sweet Potatoes: Mash the cooked sweet potatoes until smooth. You can use a potato masher or an electric mixer for a creamier texture.
  2. Add Cream and Butter: Stir in the heavy cream and melted butter until well combined.
  3. Season the Mixture: Add the sautéed onions and garlic, ground black pepper, salt, ground nutmeg, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

  1. Mix Topping Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

  1. Assemble Casserole: Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the top.
  2. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
  3. Cool Slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Serve: Serve the savory sweet potato casserole warm as a side dish for your favorite main course. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, poultry, and even vegetarian dishes.

Tips and Variations for Savory Sweet Potato Recipes Casserole

  • Add Bacon: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon over the top before baking.
  • Cheesy Variation: Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Gruyère cheese into the sweet potato mixture for a cheesy twist.
  • Herb Substitutions: Experiment with different herbs like sage or oregano to suit your taste preferences.
  • Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the panko breadcrumbs with a gluten-free breadcrumb alternative.
  • Vegan Option: Use coconut cream and vegan butter in place of the heavy cream and butter for a vegan-friendly version.

Preparation and Cooking Time – Sweet Potato Recipes

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes

Nutritional Information

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/8 of the dish)
  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 9g
  • Protein: 4g

These values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Curiosities and Historical Facts about Sweet Potato Recipes

Sweet potatoes have been a staple in many cultures around the world. Originating in Central and South America, they have been cultivated for thousands of years. The sweet potato was introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus following his voyages to the New World, and from there, it spread to Asia and Africa.

Sweet potatoes are often confused with yams, but they are quite different botanically. Yams are starchy tubers native to Africa and Asia, whereas sweet potatoes are part of the morning glory family. In the United States, what is commonly referred to as a “yam” is usually a variety of sweet potato.

In many cultures, sweet potatoes are a symbol of sustenance and comfort. In the United States, they are most famously associated with Thanksgiving, where they are often served in dishes like sweet potato casserole, sweet potato pie, and roasted sweet potatoes.

Additional Uses for Sweet Potato Recipes

Sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be used in various dishes beyond casseroles:

Breakfast

  • Sweet Potato Pancakes: Use mashed sweet potatoes in pancake batter for a nutritious and flavorful breakfast.
  • Sweet Potato Hash: Dice and sauté sweet potatoes with onions, bell peppers, and sausage for a hearty breakfast hash.

Snacks

  • Sweet Potato Fries: Cut sweet potatoes into wedges or sticks, toss with olive oil and seasonings, and bake until crispy for a healthy snack.
  • Sweet Potato Chips: Thinly slice sweet potatoes, toss with a little oil and salt, and bake until crispy for homemade chips.

Desserts

  • Sweet Potato Pie: Use mashed sweet potatoes as the base for a pie filling, flavored with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
  • Sweet Potato Brownies: Add mashed sweet potatoes to brownie batter for a moist and fudgy dessert.

Soups and Stews

  • Sweet Potato Soup: Puree roasted sweet potatoes with vegetable broth, coconut milk, and spices for a creamy soup.
  • Sweet Potato Stew: Add chunks of sweet potatoes to stews and curries for a nutritious and hearty meal.