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Flavorful Braised Sweet Potatoes with Spicy Piri Piri Pecans

braised sweet potatoes with spicy piri piri pecans - featured image
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A cozy and addictive side dish featuring tender braised sweet potatoes infused with warm spices and topped with fiery, crunchy piri piri spiced pecans. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1½ teaspoons piri piri spice blend (or to taste)
  • 1 cup pecans (120 g), roughly chopped or whole
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch chunks, aiming for uniform size to ensure even cooking (about 10 minutes).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Sprinkle in the cinnamon and smoked paprika, stirring to coat the onions and garlic evenly. Add the sweet potatoes and toss gently to mix with the spices. Cook for about 3 minutes to let the sweet potatoes start to brown slightly.
  4. Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) of broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and let the potatoes braise gently for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally and check tenderness with a fork.
  5. While the sweet potatoes braise, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans and toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and toss immediately with the piri piri spice blend and maple syrup to coat evenly.
  6. Once the sweet potatoes are tender, remove the lid and increase heat slightly to evaporate any excess liquid, stirring gently. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
  7. Transfer the braised sweet potatoes to a serving dish and sprinkle the spicy piri piri pecans on top just before serving.

Notes

If sweet potatoes start to dry out during braising, add a splash more broth. Avoid over-stirring to keep chunks intact. Toast pecans carefully to avoid burning and toss with spices while warm. Add lemon juice at the end to brighten flavors. For vegan option, use vegetable broth and pure maple syrup. Pecans can be substituted with roasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: braised sweet potatoes, piri piri pecans, spicy pecans, sweet potato side dish, vegan side dish, gluten-free, easy recipe, cozy dinner

Find it online: https://larameals.com/flavorful-braised-sweet-potatoes-with-spicy-piri-piri-pecans-easy-recipe/