Fuel Your Appetite for Adventure with Internationally Inspired Sweetpotato Recipes
After months of limited travel and preparing the same tried and true meals again and again, you may be missing the unique and diverse flavors found across the globe. Trying out new recipes and cuisines is a great way to bring some adventure into your daily routine. By incorporating a versatile ingredient like North Carolina sweetpotatoes, anyone can savor international flavors while staying close to home.
Get adventurous with your next meal by trying out these sweet recipes with an international twist:
South of the Border
Whenever you’re craving Hispanic-inspired fare, try these traditional options with a sweet twist. Sweetpotatoes make the perfect healthy addition to the traditionally starch-centric dishes, offering a mix of complex carbohydrates and micronutrients to boost the nutritional value.Â
For an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love, Sweetpotato Enchiladas are a great vegetarian option perfect for meal prepping. Make the filling using North Carolina sweetpotatoes, black beans and green chilis, then season with cumin, garlic powder and chili powder for a little extra spice.Â
Travel to the heart of Mexico with these Sweetpotato Tamales. Prepared using traditional techniques, these corn-based tamales incorporate sweetpotatoes into the masa dough for a fluffy texture and sweet flavor.
Try this Sweetpotato and Black Bean Empanada recipe for a delicious side dish or appetizer. Using just a few ingredients, the empanada dough is simple to make, but frozen puff pastry or pie crust can be substituted in a pinch. The sweetpotato filling also makes for the perfect addition to other dishes like burritos, tacos and more.
Fresh Coastal Flavors
Discover the various cuisine styles found in the Mediterranean with sweetpotato recipes inspired by the geography and mainstay ingredients of the region. These dishes are perfect anytime you’re seeking a healthy snack or meal option made with fresh, whole ingredients, and they’re a great way to switch up your typical lunches or dinners.
Developed by a registered dietician, this Sweetpotato & Cauliflower Tabbouleh is reminiscent of its international roots while incorporating healthy vegetables like sweetpotatoes, cauliflower and green onions. Topped with a lemon and olive oil dressing, this dish offers a wonderful variety of flavors.
If you’re craving a little bit of spice, our Spicy Sweetpotato Hummus is a fiery version of the Mediterranean classic. Blend sweetpotatoes with the traditional base of chickpeas, tahini and olive oil and top it with harissa for some added heat. You can omit the harissa paste or opt for our original Sweetpotato Hummus if you can’t take the heat.Â
These Sweetpotato Wedges with Tahini and Sesame created by Chef Vivian Howard are a simple, healthy crowd pleaser great for a side dish served with any meal. Roast the sweetpotato wedges for an earthy flavor and chewy texture, then drizzle the wedges with a tahini, lemon and sesame oil mixture.
Eastern Flair
Take your meal a bit further east with these sweetpotato dishes incorporating an Asian influence. Get adventurous with your cuisine using signature spices and flavors of the Eastern region, paired perfectly with the sweet and savory balance found in sweetpotatoes.
With minimal ingredients, this Sweetpotato Coconut Curry Pasta is quick and simple but packs a big flavor punch. Mix mashed sweetpotato with coconut milk and curry powder for a smooth pasta sauce that offers a low-cost option whenever you’re looking for a delicious vegan meal.Â
Perfect for trying as a unique breakfast or afternoon snack, these Malaysian Curry Puffs use sweetpotatoes seasoned with Indian spices like curry powder, turmeric and chili powder as their filling.Â
If you’re looking for a healthy dip or salad dressing to have on hand, our Simple Sweetpotato Asian Vinaigrette is sure to become a favorite. Blend together microwaved sweetpotatoes and other ingredients like rice wine vinegar, honey and soy sauce for a smooth vinaigrette you can store in the refrigerator for future use.Â
No matter what destination you’re dreaming of, North Carolina sweetpotatoes can take you on a flavor journey. Find even more internationally inspired recipe ideas here, and make sure you tag @ncsweetpotatoes when sharing your dishes on social media.