Sweet potatoes are one of the most versatile foods available, and cooking with them can yield an array of tasty dishes. If you're looking for some inspiration to get creative in the kitchen, here are some delicious sweet potato recipes to try.
Soufflé with Molasses Sauce
This soufflé is the perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Peel and dice two large sweet potatoes and boil them until they're tender. In a separate saucepan, melt three tablespoons of butter and whisk in three tablespoons of flour until smooth. Gradually add one cup of milk and keep whisking until the mixture is thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Separate four room-temperature egg yolks from their whites and add the yolks to the cheese sauce. Stir in the cooked sweet potatoes until they're evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the sweet potato mixture, being careful not to overmix.
Transfer the mixture to a buttered casserole dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the soufflé has risen and the top is golden brown. While the soufflé bakes, make the molasses sauce by combining 1/2 cup of molasses, 1/4 cup of butter, and 1/4 cup of heavy cream in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for five minutes or until thickened, then drizzle over the soufflé before serving.
Sweet Potato Gratin with Chile-Spiced Pecans
This recipe adds a little bit of heat to a classic side dish. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Peel and slice four medium sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch rounds. In a large mixing bowl, combine one cup of heavy cream, two cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add the sweet potato slices to the bowl and toss until they're coated in the cream mixture.
Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a buttered baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the cream has thickened. While the gratin bakes, make the chile-spiced pecans. In a small mixing bowl, combine one egg white, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of cumin, 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until the egg white is frothy, then add two cups of pecan halves and toss to coat.
Spread the pecans out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until they're toasted and fragrant. Sprinkle the pecans over the sweet potato gratin just before serving.
These sweet potato recipes are just the beginning! With their sweet flavor and versatile texture, sweet potatoes can be used in a variety of dishes, from casseroles to pies to fries. Whether you're looking for a healthy side for dinner or a sweet treat for dessert, sweet potatoes are sure to satisfy.
When it comes to potato products and sweet potato recipes, your options are nearly limitless. Whether you're in the mood for something savory or sweet, these recipes are a great place to start. Try them out and discover the wonders of cooking with sweet potatoes!