Sweet Potatoes
There are very few vegetables that lend themselves as well and as deliciously to versatility in the kitchen, than that of the humble sweet potato. Not yams, sweet potatoes. They also happen to be a staple in every Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner repertoire I can name. In fact, I can pretty much guarantee they’re in yours. Everyone has their own way of preparing them, much like Pumpkin Pie or Mashed Vegetables. Many of us have learned how to do these 3 things along our culinary journey from family or friends or the food network.
Truth be told, there are generally two ways I’ve come to expect sweet potatoes on the holiday table and I think you’ll be familiar with: Whipped with butter (and maybe some sage) or as a bake, topped off with marshmallows and candied pecans. One sweeter, one more savory, both equally important to the holiday table.
Now, during the holidays there ARE expectations for the main event: Dinner. Am I right? Generally indisputable are turkey and gravy, cranberry sauce, a mash of sorts, stuffing, dinner wheat rolls, dessert, and of course, sweet potatoes. We’ve even created one comprehensive Thanksgiving Menu Planner (totally free for you!) to make sure these things get done. You may find another protein or even another vegetable make a surprise appearance, but those are the mainstays. At least in the dinners I’ve been to. But the way they’re presented – preparation, cooked, and plated – could be an opportunity for innovation, for something new. In my opinion, as long as they make it to the party, the way they’re delivered is totally negotiable.
Sweet potatoes – so forgiving, so delicious, so versatile – are the perfect canvas for trying something new. Be it at dinner time, lunch, appies, breakfast, or even dessert. The things you can do with sweet potatoes – and have them taste AMAZING – are endless! This is the dish to create the wow moments you crave. Both for yourself as well as your holiday guests.
We just recently created a new Pinterest board for all of you who are sweet on sweet potatoes but we thought we’d give you the highlights. Here are 10 unique, delicious and incredible ways for you to cook with sweet potatoes and make a memorable – and tasty – holiday impression on your dinner (or any meal) table:
- Sweet Potato Hash from The Nest
- Sweet Potato & Kale Pizza with Red Onions from Two Peas and their Pod
- Crispy (Sweet) Potato Roast from Joyously Domestic
- Sweet Potato Cauliflower Soup from Allyson Kramer
- Roasted Grape, Goat Cheese & Honey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes from How Sweet Eats
- Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs from Jo Cooks
- Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry from Kiran Tarun
- Sweet Potato Avocado Bites from Blissful Basil
- Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers from LunchBoxBunch
- Sweet Potato “Noodles” with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce from Detoxinista
- Handmade Slow Roasted Sweet Potato Pasta from She Eats
- Sweet Potato Irish Nachos from Skinny Taste
- Sweet Potato Cake with Bourbon Caramel from Beyond Frosting
- Sweet Potato Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting from Farm Flavor
See what I mean? Sweet potatoes can take any form, any flavor – it just involves a bit of knowledge as to how the potato should be cooked or prepared. And from there, the possibilities of creating new dishes in your own kitchen is but a saute pan away. Or a roasting pan. Or even a slow cooker.
My suggestion to you: Choose how you want your dish to present – savory or sweet? Which part of the meal should it appear? Before, during or after? And then think about what else you like to eat in that same course. Now figure out how to pair them together. You can totally do this – create something new out of an old standard and give your sweet potatoes a real wow factor this holiday season.
Sweet potatoes: They’re classic but excitingly and deliciously adaptable to your tastes. Wow us!
What’s non-negotiable on YOUR holiday table? How do you like your sweet potatoes? What are you looking forward to most this holiday season? Favorite food on the dinner table right now? Have a recipe to showcase? Share your thoughts below or join the conversation on our Facebook Page!
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