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Sweet potatoes are a staple in many kitchens across the world today, not only because of the beautiful colours and natural sweetness, but also their nutrients. Sweet potatoes add nutrition and taste great to a variety of meals since they are full of vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants. These go well in both savoury and sweet dishes because they have an almost ‘earthy’ type taste. But it's the marriage of sweet potatoes with complimentary flavours that produces the real magic. The appropriate combinations can bring out their sweetness, add richness, or introduce opposing tastes to make a dish that works well together. Now, explore some of the most delicious sweet potato meals in terms of toppings based on creaminess and tangy flavours.
Meats And Sweet Potato
Meats complement the sweet potato, making this a good combination. The umami-rich flavours of different meats are perfectly complemented by the natural sweetness of potatoes. Mash sweet potatoes well with roasted chicken, which has tender meat and a crispy skin. The potatoes' creamy texture goes well with the soft chicken, and their sweetness counteracts the savoury flavours. Consider serving a delicious steak with sweet potato fries for a more delicious dinner. Another good choice is pork—preferably this one with honey-spice glaze. The roasted sweet potato wedges' natural flavours are accentuated by the sweet and spicy undertones of the pork, resulting in a harmonic dish that is nourishing and satisfying.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Greens And Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great match for leafy greens if you're trying to make a more balanced plate. Greens such as Swiss chard, kale, or spinach have earthy, slightly bitter flavours that balance out the sweetness of the potatoes well. A wholesome and filling lunch can be made with a warm salad of roasted sweet potato cubes combined with wilted greens, toasted almonds, and a zesty vinaigrette. Baked sweet potatoes can be served with sautéed greens seasoned with garlic and a dash of lemon juice for a more simple side dish. The flavour profile of the potatoes is well-rounded and keeps your taste buds excited because of the bright, acidic tones of the greens.
Also read: 10 Creative Ways To Use Purple Sweet Potato
Spices And Herbs
Sweet potatoes are a little less sweet and therefore suitable for a lot of herbs and spices. For those who are okay with a little heat, you can make a sweet potato slice snack that tastes like barbecue by adding a little cumin, chilli powder, and smoked paprika to the wedges before roasting them. However, mashed sweet potatoes can benefit from the addition of more sophisticated, aromatic herbs like thyme and rosemary. Consider roasting sweet potato slices with a little brown sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Cheese And Sweet Potatoes
The contrast between the sweet and savoury creaminess of cheese and sweet potatoes makes for a beautifully rich combination. When making a casserole, pie, or baked dish, cheeses like feta, goat cheese, and sharp cheddar can improve the flavour profile. Unexpectedly, the sweetness of sweet potatoes can be complemented by the tanginess of feta or goat cheese, giving even the most basic dishes a gourmet touch. As an alternative, you can construct a hearty supper by piling cheese and toppings like bacon or sautéed vegetables onto baked sweet potatoes. Due to the difference in textures and flavours in this pairing, it is perfect to win over visitors or to feed gatherings of the family.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Fruits And Sweet Potatoes
Although it may seem strange to combine sweet potatoes and fruit, some combinations can really work well together. For example, the acidity of the apples might offer a welcome counterpoint to the rich, creamy richness of the mashed sweet potatoes. If you would like a little twist on the ordinary sweet potato recipes, you should add apples to it in diced form and sprinkle some cinnamon on top. If you prefer a tropical taste, you should try using pineapple in your sweet potato dishes. Perfect for summer barbecues, grilled pineapple slices offer a distinct blend of caramelised sweetness when served with roasted sweet potato wedges. Desserts made with sweet potatoes can benefit from the unique texture and flavour burst provided by dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.
As each combination creates a new taste and nutritional profile, home chefs can try out how to incorporate sweet potatoes into their diet. You just have to take your time in trying out these pairings to know how your palate enjoys them!
