Sweet Potato Recipes – Versatile and Nutritious

Sweet potatoes, one of the most ancient, nutritious, and valuable food crops of the Americas, are somewhat  underused and misunderstood. What is called a “yam,” for example, is often really a sweet potato. If what you’re buying has a vivid orange flesh, it’s a sweet potato. Even deeply hued Garnet Yams are a type of sweet potato.

Not to diminish the value of regular potatoes, but as a point of comparison, sweet potatoes are substantially richer in nutrients. They are especially high in vitamin A and the major minerals. I think that sweet potatoes deserve far more attention. Southern or regional American cookbooks are a great source of recipe ideas. Otherwise, just bake or microwave them for a nourishing side dish.

Sweet Potato Main Dishes

• Sweet Potato and Edamame Shepherd’s Pie
• Curried Sweet Potatoes with Chard and Chickpeas
• Thyme-Scented Sweet Potatoes with Black Olives and Garlic
• Gingery Rice with Sweet Potatoes and Peas
• Tempeh, Kale and Sweet Potato Skillet
• Sweet and White Potato Casserole with Apples
• White Pizza with Sweet Potato and Carmelized Onions
• Tortellini or Ravioli in Sweet Potato Sauce
• Slow-Cooker White Bean and Sweet Potato Stew with Collard Greens

Sweet Potato Soups, Stews & Chilis

• Kale, Yellow Squash and Sweet Potato Stew
• Thai-Spiced Sweet Potato Stew
• Squash, Sweet Potato and Corn Chowder
• Sweet Potato Soup
• Quick Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili
• Curried Red Lentil Soup with Sweet Potatoes and Greens
• Sweet Potato Dal
• African-American Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew

Sweet Potato Salads

• Sweet Potato Waldorf Salad
• Sweet and White Potato Salad with Mixed Greens
• Raw Sweet Potato and Cabbage Salad with Coconut-Lime Dressing
  Variation: Raw Sweet Potato and Kale Salad with Coconut-Lime Dressing

Sweet Potato Appetizers, Sides & Such

• Spicy Tempura Sweet Potatoes
• Bulgur and Sweet Potato Pilaf
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Leeks and Peas
• Contemporary Candied Yams
• Carrot and Sweet Potato Tzimmes
• Maple and Tarragon Sweet Potatoes
• Baked Sweet Potatoes and Apples
• Roasted Root Vegetable Medley

Desserts and Baked Goods

• Sweet Potato-Spelt Biscuits
• Alicia’s Famous Sweet Potato Pie
• Sweet Potato Biscuits