Deliciously Simple Vegan Sweet Potato Recipes

Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse and a versatile ingredient for countless vegan dishes. From savory sides to sweet treats, their naturally sweet and earthy flavor profile lends itself beautifully to a wide array of culinary creations. This article presents a variety of simple yet delicious Vegan Sweet Potato Recipes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds and fuel your body with wholesome goodness.

Let’s dive into the world of vegan sweet potato cooking!

Why You Should Include More Sweet Potatoes in Your Vegan Diet

Beyond their delightful taste, sweet potatoes offer a wealth of health benefits. They are:

• Rich in Beta-Carotene: This powerful antioxidant converts to Vitamin A in the body, promoting healthy vision, skin, and immune function.
• High in Fiber: Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: They are a good source of Vitamin C, potassium, manganese, and several B vitamins, all essential for various bodily functions.

Vegan Roasted Sweet Potato Slices

Essential Tips for Cooking with Sweet Potatoes

Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your vegan sweet potato recipes:

• Choosing the Right Sweet Potato: For savory dishes, opt for firm varieties with pale, tan skin like the Hannah or Japanese sweet potato. For sweeter recipes, the classic orange-fleshed Beauregard or Jewel sweet potatoes are ideal.
• Washing and Peeling: Scrub sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water before cooking. Peeling is optional depending on the recipe and your preference.
• Adjust Cooking Time Based on Size: Cut sweet potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Smaller pieces will cook faster than larger chunks.

Savory Vegan Sweet Potato Recipes

1. Spicy Vegan Sweet Potato Curry

This fragrant curry is packed with warming spices and creamy coconut milk, making it a perfect comfort food meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic, ginger, curry powder, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add diced tomatoes, coconut milk, and sweet potatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.
6. Serve over rice or with naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Vegan Sweet Potato Curry in a Bowl

2. Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries

These fries are a healthy and delicious alternative to their deep-fried counterparts.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into fries
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Tip: For extra crispy fries, toss the sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch before adding the oil and seasonings.

You can enjoy these crispy baked sweet potato fries with your favorite vegan nacho cheese recipe.

Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries on a Plate

Sweet Vegan Sweet Potato Recipes

3. Easy Vegan Sweet Potato Brownies

These fudgy brownies get a boost of nutrition and flavor from the addition of sweet potato.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup oat flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potato, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together oat flour and cocoa powder.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before slicing and serving.

“Adding sweet potato to brownies not only enhances the texture but also introduces a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.” – Chef Anya Green

Vegan Sweet Potato Brownies on a Cooling Rack

4. Creamy Vegan Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie

This smoothie is a quick and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of sweet potato pie.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1 frozen banana
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Adjust sweetness with maple syrup if desired.

For other delicious vegan recipes using seasonal squash, explore these vegan butternut squash recipes.

FAQ About Vegan Sweet Potato Recipes

1. Can I substitute canned sweet potato for fresh?

Yes, you can use canned sweet potato in a pinch. Make sure to drain and rinse it well before using.

2. How do I prevent sweet potatoes from becoming mushy when cooking?

Avoid overcooking sweet potatoes. Cook them until they are tender but still hold their shape. Roasting and baking tend to yield a firmer texture compared to boiling.

3. What are some other spices that go well with sweet potatoes?

Sweet potatoes pair well with a range of spices such as cumin, coriander, chili powder, and even cinnamon and nutmeg for sweeter applications.

4. Can I freeze leftover cooked sweet potatoes?

Yes, cooked sweet potatoes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags.

5. Are sweet potato skins edible?

Yes, sweet potato skins are edible and nutritious.

These are just a few of the many delicious and easy vegan sweet potato recipes you can make. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own culinary masterpieces!