Sweet Potato

Ipomoea batatas Vegetable, Root Vegetable

Sweet Potato Vegetable, Root Vegetable

At a Glance

  • Category Vegetable, Root Vegetable

The Forktionary Angle

"The Golden Gem of the Earth"

Definition

A starchy, sweet-tasting root vegetable, known for its vibrant orange flesh (though other colors exist) and rich nutritional profile.

Global Production ~90 million metric tons/year
Ideal Storage Temp 55-60°F (13-16°C)
Vitamin A Content >100% DV per 100g (as beta-carotene)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Sweet Potato are:

Sweet Earthy Nutty Mildly Starchy

Chef’s Secret

For incredibly crispy sweet potato fries, soak the cut fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes, then dry thoroughly before seasoning and baking/frying. This removes excess starch.

Best Substitutes

Butternut Squash

for sweetness and texture in roasting
Ratio 1:1

Yams

similar, but often mistaken and botanically different
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes. Avoid soft spots, sprouts, or cuts.

Recipes Using Sweet Potato

3 Steps Or Less Main Ingredient Meat Low In Something

Beef Stew Crock Pot

Tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef stew, slow-cooked to perfection in your crock pot! This easy recipe requires minimal prep and yields a hearty, flavorful meal the whole family will love. Perfect for a cozy night in!

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Time To Make Low Protein Preparation Healthy

Apricot Sweet Potato Bake

A deliciously comforting and autumnal side dish! This recipe, inspired by Taste of Home's November 2008 Thanksgiving cookbooklet, features sweet potatoes and apricots baked to bubbly perfection with a sweet and tangy sauce. Perfect for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, or any time you crave a warm, flavorful treat.

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Potatoes Equipment Main Ingredient Occasion

Tri Colored Potato And Goat Cheese Gratin

Indulge in this decadent Tri-Colored Potato and Goat Cheese Gratin! Inspired by Emeril's famous ribeye roast side dish, this creamy, cheesy potato bake is a symphony of textures and flavors. Layers of thinly sliced red, yellow, and Yukon gold potatoes are bathed in a luscious garlic cream sauce and topped with tangy goat cheese. A truly unforgettable side dish (perfect for special occasions!), but be warned: it's dangerously delicious!

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Main Ingredient Occasion Preparation Roast Beef

Asian Beef Brisket Crock Pot

Tender, melt-in-your-mouth Asian Beef Brisket, slow-cooked to perfection in your crock pot! This award-winning recipe (featured in BH&G magazine!) boasts a rich, savory sauce that will have you licking your fingers. Easy to make and perfect for a crowd-pleasing dinner.

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Lunch Occasion Lunch Snacks

Baked Veggie Chips

Crispy, colorful, and healthy! These baked veggie chips are a delicious and fun snack or side dish, perfect for kids and adults alike. Using seasonal white and sweet potatoes, beets, parsnips, and carrots, this recipe transforms simple vegetables into irresistible crunchy delights. Thinly sliced and seasoned to perfection, these chips are a fantastic way to sneak in extra veggies. Inspired by Nick Jr. Family Magazine.

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Crock Pot Slow Cooker Course 4 Hours Or Less Beginner Cook

Bbq Marmalade Chicken

Sweet and savory perfection! This BBQ Marmalade Chicken recipe is incredibly easy to make in either your crockpot or oven. The tangy marmalade glaze creates a mouthwatering BBQ flavor that's irresistible. Serve this tender, juicy chicken with steamed broccoli and mashed sweet potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal. Get ready for flavor explosion!

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Seasonal 60 Minutes Or Less Low Sodium Fruit

Appled Sweet Potatoes

Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of fall with this easy recipe for Appled Sweet Potatoes! Sweet and savory sweet potatoes are layered with crisp apples, warming spices, and a touch of butter for a side dish or dessert that's perfect for any occasion. This recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for holiday gatherings.

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Inexpensive Low In Something Side Dishes Christmas

Amazing Whipped Sweet Potatoes

Elevate your sweet potato game with this irresistible recipe! The addition of banana creates a surprisingly delightful twist, adding natural sweetness and creamy texture. Customize the banana amount to your liking – more for intense banana flavor, less for a subtle hint. Topped with a crunchy pecan crumble, this dish is perfect for a cozy fall dinner or a Thanksgiving side. Prepare to be amazed!

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Main Dish Mexican Dietary Main Dish

Bean And Sweet Potato Nachos

Elevate your nacho game with this vibrant vegetarian twist! Inspired by Linda McCartney's recipes, these nachos boast a flavorful tomato-bean sauce and perfectly spiced sweet potatoes. Customize them to your liking – skip the sweet potatoes for a quicker weeknight meal, or add a kick with our spicy avocado guacamole (recipe included!). This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a casual gathering or a satisfying weeknight dinner.

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Preparation Dinner Party Winter Occasion

Best Of Both Worlds Potatoes Anna

Elevate your holiday table with this stunning twist on classic Potatoes Anna! This recipe masterfully combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the earthy goodness of russet potatoes, creating a layered casserole that's both beautiful and unbelievably delicious. Inspired by Optimum Wellness Magazine, this show-stopping side dish was a Christmas Eve hit – and it will be at your next gathering too! Prepare to impress your guests with this unforgettable recipe.

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Preparation Main Ingredient Yams Sweet Potatoes Time To Make

Amaretto Sweet Potatoes

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of autumn with this Amaretto Sweet Potato recipe! Sweet potatoes, roasted to perfection, are complemented by a luscious amaretto-buttermilk custard and crunchy pecans. This easy-to-make side dish is perfect for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, or a cozy weeknight dinner. Prepare to be amazed by this unique and delicious twist on a classic.

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Vegan Vegan Low Cholesterol Vegetables

African Potato And Collard Green Stew

Warm up on chilly nights with this hearty African-inspired stew! A vibrant blend of sweet and white potatoes, cauliflower, nutritious collard greens, sweet raisins, and aromatic spices creates a deeply satisfying and flavorful meal. Originating from the south and east of Africa, this recipe is perfect served over fluffy rice, couscous, or quinoa. A comforting and delicious culinary journey awaits!

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Course Main Dish Dietary Preparation

Amazing Chicken Stew

After years of browsing and testing recipes, I'm thrilled to finally share my own delicious Chicken Stew! This hearty and flavorful stew is perfect for a cozy night in and is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Get ready to experience a taste sensation – tender chicken, perfectly seasoned vegetables, and a rich, comforting broth. This recipe is a culmination of inspiration from this wonderful community, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

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Kid Friendly Easy Potluck Side Dishes

Apple Sweet Potato Bake

This decadent Apple Sweet Potato Bake is the perfect side dish for your holiday feasts or a cozy weeknight treat! Imagine tender sweet potatoes and crisp apples, infused with warm spices like nutmeg and allspice, and topped with crunchy walnuts and a touch of brown sugar. This recipe is easily adaptable – try it with fresh pumpkin for a delightful twist! Get ready for rave reviews!

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Vegetarian Vegetarian Time To Make Potatoes

Cinnamon Sweet Potato Fries

Crispy, cinnamon-spiced sweet potato fries that are irresistible! Inspired by Maya's Mama's recipe, these fries get an extra flavor kick from Krazy Mixed-Up Salt. A perfect side dish or snack, these sweet and savory fries are easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Equipment Roast Apples Beef

Apple Juice Roast

This Apple Juice Roast recipe delivers a fall-off-the-bone tender roast, infused with the sweet and tangy flavors of apple juice and enhanced by savory herbs. Perfectly paired with tender sweet potatoes and a rich, homemade gravy, this dish is a comforting and impressive meal for any occasion. The easy-to-follow instructions guide you to a succulent roast that will leave your family and guests wanting more!

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Occasion Seasonal Beginner Cook Low In Something

Autumn Vegetable Casserole

This hearty and flavorful Autumn Vegetable Casserole is a crowd-pleaser perfect for potlucks and family gatherings! Imagine the warm, earthy aroma of roasted vegetables filling your kitchen as this comforting dish bakes to golden perfection. Featuring a delicious mix of potatoes, red peppers, onions, and zucchini, topped with a sprinkle of cheese (optional for vegan/pareve options), this casserole is easy to customize to your liking. Reheat and enjoy leftovers for days! Get ready to add this recipe to your fall favorites!

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Time To Make South American Meat Course

Aji De Gallina

Experience the rich flavors of Peru with this authentic Aji de Gallina recipe! This creamy chicken dish, traditionally made with rooster (gallina), is adapted here using readily available chicken for a simpler, yet equally delicious experience. Inspired by a New York City Peruvian restaurant and perfected through countless home-cooked experiments, this recipe delivers a comforting and flavorful meal that will transport you straight to the heart of Peruvian cuisine. Learn how to create the signature creamy sauce, perfectly seasoned chicken, and fluffy rice, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. Get ready to savor a taste of Peru!

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