Are you looking for a vibrant, healthy, and surprisingly easy meal to add to your weekly dinner rotation? Look no further! This Japanese purple sweet potato recipe is bursting with flavor and nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend treat. Purple sweet potatoes, also known as Okinawan sweet potatoes, offer a unique earthy sweetness and beautiful color that will impress your family and friends. This recipe is packed with flavor and requires minimal effort, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced cooks.
Ingredients:
- 2 large purple sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped scallions for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the sweet potatoes: Peel and cube the purple sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces. Make sure they are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
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Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Add sweet potatoes: Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on the edges. This step helps to develop a deeper flavor.
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Simmer in broth: Pour the vegetable broth into the pan, ensuring the sweet potatoes are mostly submerged. Add the soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Serve and garnish: Once the sweet potatoes are cooked through, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions and sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. This dish is delicious on its own, or you can serve it alongside rice or grilled fish for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Purple Sweet Potatoes:
- Don't overcook: Overcooked sweet potatoes can become mushy. Aim for tender but still slightly firm sweet potatoes.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, mirin, and red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Add protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Make it creamy: For a creamier texture, stir in a tablespoon or two of coconut milk or cream at the end of cooking.
Variations:
- Spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha for a spicier kick.
- Herby: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a fresh and vibrant flavor.
- Citrusy: Add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice at the end for a bright citrusy note.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
This Japanese purple sweet potato recipe is a healthy, flavorful, and simple dish perfect for any occasion. It's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and enjoy a delicious homemade meal. Enjoy!