As the winter season approaches, few foods offer as much comforting warmth and nutrition as sweet potatoes. This beloved superfood, better known as roadside snack, shakarkandi is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a source of nutrition. Packed with vitamins A and C, fiber and antioxidants, sweet potatoes are a great immune booster to keep you warm and healthy during the colder months. Here are three super easy, cozy recipes to try this winter with this versatile superfood!
Easy mashed potatoes
Sweet Mashed Potatoes are a delicious variation on the classic mashed potatoes with their smooth silky texture and nice sweet taste. Plus, it’ll warm you from the inside out – eat it out of a big bowl or use it as a side dish with protein and salad.
Ingredients: 3 pounds (1360 g) sweet potatoes 1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt (plus more to taste) 1 bay leaf 3 tablespoons butter 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3 tablespoons sour cream or heavy cream (to taste) desired) and optional toppings such as finely chopped parsley or chives and freshly ground black pepper pepper
method: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes in a large pot, cover them with water (about 1 inch above the sweet potatoes), add the salt and bay leaf and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork (10 to 12 minutes). Drain the potatoes, then return them to the pot and mash with a potato masher or puree in a food processor until you get the desired texture. Add the butter, cinnamon, black pepper and a pinch of salt. For extra creaminess, stir in sour cream or heavy cream. If desired, pour more butter and chopped fresh herbs.
Smoky sweet potato soup
This velvety sweet potato soup is the perfect winter comfort food, combining the rich flavor of sweet potatoes with the creamy texture of coconut milk and aromatic spices. A bowl of warmth packed with superfoods!
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 medium yellow onion (sliced) 1 teaspoon sea salt freshly ground black pepper 3 medium sweet potatoes (1½ pounds, peeled and diced) 1 apple (peeled and diced) 3 grated garlic clove, 1 tsp. L. grated fresh ginger, 1 tsp. L. ground coriander, ½ tsp. L. smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, 3-4 cups vegetable broth, and 1 (14 oz.) can full-fat coconut milk (reserve ¼ cup for garnish).
method: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, salt and pepper and cook until the onion is soft (about 5 to 8 minutes). Add the sweet potato and apple and cook for about 8-10 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the garlic, ginger, coriander and smoked paprika and cook for another minute. Add the apple cider vinegar, vegetable stock and coconut milk, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until potatoes are tender (about 20 to 30 minutes). After cooking, let the soup cool down a little and mix in portions until smooth. If the soup is too thick, add more broth and stir again. Season to taste and, if desired, garnish with a dash of coconut milk, pepitas, cilantro, and pepper. Serve with crusty bread for an even more satisfying meal.
Healthy Baked Sweet Potato Chips
Looking for a healthier snack this winter? These Baked Sweet Potato Chips are crunchy, filling, and a great way to enjoy sweet potato in a fun, superfood-filled way!
Ingredients: 2 large sweet potatoes, 2 tbsp olive oil and 1/4 tsp sea salt.
method: Preheat oven to 250°F (121°C) and center rack. Wash and dry the sweet potato thoroughly, then slice it as thinly as possible. Toss the slices in a little olive oil to coat lightly, then sprinkle with salt. Place the slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, turning the chips halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check every 10 minutes for the second hour so they don’t burn. When the chips are crisp and golden brown, remove them from the oven. Let them rest for 10 minutes before they finish with a crispy crust.
These three super easy superfood sweet potato recipes are perfect for warming up on cold winter nights!
