Sweet Potato Recipes

Sweet potatoes are tasty, versatile root vegetables that are low in calories. They can be used in many types of recipes, including both sweet dishes like candied sweet potatoes and sweet potato pie to savory baked and soup selections.

Sweet Potato and Pineapple Casserole

This is a classic comfort food dish with a tropical twist.

Ingredients

• 4 large sweet potatoes
• 1 can of crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 cups miniature marshmallows

Instructions

1. Wash sweet potatoes.
2. Cook in boiling water approximately 30 minutes.
3. Drain and peel sweet potatoes.
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
5. Place peeled potatoes into mixing bowl.
6. Mash using a fork or potato masher.
7. Add pineapple, syrup, cinnamon and nutmeg to mashed sweet potatoes, mixing well.
8. Spray a square baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
9. Spoon sweet potato and pineapple mixture into pan.
10. Cover with marshmallows.
11. Bake for 20 minutes.

Variations

• Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the potato and pineapple mixture.
• Add 1/4 cup of raisins to the potato and pineapple mixture.
• Add 1/4 to 1/2 chopped pecans or walnuts to the marshmallow topping.
• Leave off the marshmallows.

Sweet Potato Salad

Swap out your traditional potato salad for a sweet potato version that's just as delicious.

Ingredients

• 4 large sweet potatoes
• 3/4 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup of sour cream (not fat free)
• 1/4 cup sliced celery
• 1 large apple, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Wash sweet potatoes.
2. Fill a medium stock pot with water.
3. Bring to a boil on high heat.
4. Place sweet potatoes in boiling water.
5. Cook until tender, approximately 30 minutes.
6. Drain and allow to cool.
7. Put mayonnaise, sour cream and Dijon mustard in a large mixing bowl, stirring to combine.
8. Peel potatoes (optional; you can leave the skins on if you prefer).
9. Cut potatoes into chunks and add to mayonnaise mixture.
10. Add remaining ingredients, mixing well to combine.
11. Refrigerate for an hour or longer before serving.

Variations

• Add 1/4 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Add 1/4 cup of drained pineapple chunks.
• Add 1/4 cup of dried cranberries.
• Garnish with chopped green onions.

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a tasty side-dish for grilled steak or chicken, as well as burgers, seafood and other dishes.

Ingredients

• 4 large sweet potatoes
• 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Cover a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.
3. Put olive oil on top of foil and spread evenly.
4. Wash sweet potatoes.
5. Cut into slices or strips approximately 1/4 of an inch thick.
6. Place on foil-covered baking sheet in a single layer.
7. Sprinkle with salt.
8. Bake for 15 minutes.
9. Remove baking sheet from oven and flip potato pieces.
10. Return to oven.
11. Bake for 15 minutes longer.

Variations

• Use additional dry seasonings as desired (pepper, Creole seasoning, Italian seasoning, etc.).
• Use melted butter instead of olive oil.

Cream of Sweet Potato Soup

This soup is pure comfort food.

Ingredients

• 6 small sweet potatoes
• 1 quart water
• 1 cup cream
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons minced parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon flour

Instructions

1. Peel potatoes and immerse at once in cold water to which has been added a little flour to prevent discoloration.
2. Drain and cook in sufficient boiling water to cover.
3. When tender, drain and rub through a colander.
4. This should make three cups of mashed potatoes.
5. Add water, cream, salt, and parsley.
6. Reheat and serve.
7. The water in which the potatoes are cooked may be used as a part of the liquid unless very dark.
8. This soup should have the consistency of rich cream and is greatly improved by adding two tablespoons of brandy just before removing it from the stove.
9. Serve with croutons.

Sweet Potato Selection and Storage Tips

No matter what recipe you choose, preparing great tasting dishes starts with making sure that you have top quality sweet potatoes on hand when you are ready to start cooking.

Choosing Sweet Potatoes

When choosing your sweet potatoes, look for ones that feel heavy when you pick them up. You want them to be as close to the same size, especially if you don't plan to cut them up before cooking. They should also be free of any blemishes, cracks, or bad spots. Decay can spread a bad flavor throughout the whole potato, so make sure you pick fresh, clean, healthy potatoes without any black spots. Avoid wrinkles and soft potatoes and look for a smooth skin.

Storing Sweet Potatoes

When you bring sweet potatoes home, keep them in a cool (55°F to 60°F), dry place, such as a cellar, pantry, or garage. Don't put them in the refrigerator because they can form a hard core and develop an unpleasant taste. If you store them correctly, they will last for a month or more. At room temperature, they may last six or seven days. Don't wash them when you bring them home; instead, wait until just before you are going to cook them.

Enjoy Delicious Sweet Potato Dishes

With so many terrific options for sweet potato meals, you don't have to save this tasty vegetable for holidays and special occasions. Pick up a few each time you visit the supermarket and enjoy the flavor of sweet potatoes on a regular basis.