Sweet Potato Chickpea Hash
Highlighted under: Fresh Favorites
I absolutely love cooking up this Sweet Potato Chickpea Hash during weekends. The combination of sweet potatoes and chickpeas creates a hearty and satisfying meal that’s not only flavorful but also nutritious. On lazy mornings or when I want a light lunch, this dish comes together effortlessly. I enjoy experimenting with spices and toppings, whether it’s creamy avocado or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. The colors and textures make the meal visually appealing, making it a delightful addition to my recipe repertoire.
When I first tried Sweet Potato Chickpea Hash, it was a revelation. The natural sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the nutty chickpeas, creating a delightful balance of flavors. I also added a hint of smoked paprika to introduce a subtle depth that truly elevates the dish.
Cooking the sweet potatoes until they’re caramelized offers a texture that contrasts nicely with the chickpeas. I find that allowing everything to sauté together encourages the flavors to blend beautifully. Topping it off with a poached egg adds a rich creaminess that makes this hash truly irresistible!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and wholesome blend of sweet potatoes and chickpeas
- Bursting with flavors from herbs and spices
- Versatile meal – great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes
When selecting sweet potatoes for this dish, look for firm, unblemished tubers with vibrant skin. Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are the most popular variety and provide a lovely sweetness that pairs perfectly with chickpeas. You can also experiment with purple or white-fleshed varieties for a unique flavor twist. Keep in mind that smaller sweet potatoes tend to be sweeter and creamier, while larger ones can be starchier and drier. For best results, avoid any with soft spots or sprouts, as these are indicators of age.
If you're short on time, microwaving the sweet potatoes for about 5-7 minutes before dicing them can significantly reduce cooking time in the skillet. Just be sure they are fork-tender when testing them after microwaving. This can help speed up the sautéing process while still allowing for that delicious caramelization as they cook in the olive oil.
Customizing Your Hash
This Sweet Potato Chickpea Hash allows for great flexibility in terms of flavor and nutrition. Feel free to swap out chickpeas for black beans or lentils if you're looking for a different protein source. You can also add in other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale. Just ensure that any added vegetables have similar cooking times to maintain the texture. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes when you mix in the spices.
In addition to the herbs mentioned for garnishing, you can enhance the dish by topping it with feta cheese, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or even a fried egg on top for extra protein. I love serving this hash alongside a simple green salad to balance the meal with some acidity and crunch.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Chickpea Hash
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and sauté for about 10 minutes until slightly tender and starting to caramelize.
Add the Vegetables
Stir in the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Incorporate Chickpeas and Seasoning
Add the chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together and cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving. Enjoy your Sweet Potato Chickpea Hash warm!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, try incorporating kale or spinach just before serving. You can also customize this hash by adding your favorite spices or toppings, like a fried egg or avocado slices.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store the Sweet Potato Chickpea Hash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making it taste even better! To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer, you can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
For extended storage, this dish freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the refrigerator overnight, or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Just be aware that some texture changes may occur after freezing, but the flavors will remain intact.
Scaling the Recipe
This Sweet Potato Chickpea Hash is easily scalable for larger gatherings. If you’re hosting a brunch, simply double or triple the ingredients. Use a larger skillet or make it in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent proper caramelization. Alternatively, you can use a large baking sheet and roast everything in the oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through for even cooking.
Just remember to adjust the seasoning appropriately when scaling up. A good rule of thumb is to increase spices by about a quarter for every additional serving to maintain that punchy flavor. Always taste as you go; it’s the best way to ensure your hash keeps its delicious character no matter the quantity.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this hash in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the hash a day in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. The flavors will develop even more!
→ What can I serve with Sweet Potato Chickpea Hash?
This dish is great on its own, but you can pair it with a side salad or serve it with a poached egg on top for extra protein.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients in this hash are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities.
→ Can I use frozen sweet potatoes or chickpeas?
Yes, you can use frozen sweet potatoes. However, make sure to thaw them before cooking. Canned chickpeas are perfectly fine; just drain and rinse them.
Sweet Potato Chickpea Hash
I absolutely love cooking up this Sweet Potato Chickpea Hash during weekends. The combination of sweet potatoes and chickpeas creates a hearty and satisfying meal that’s not only flavorful but also nutritious. On lazy mornings or when I want a light lunch, this dish comes together effortlessly. I enjoy experimenting with spices and toppings, whether it’s creamy avocado or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. The colors and textures make the meal visually appealing, making it a delightful addition to my recipe repertoire.
Created by: Ione Rutherford
Recipe Type: Fresh Favorites
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and sauté for about 10 minutes until slightly tender and starting to caramelize.
Stir in the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Add the chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together and cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving. Enjoy your Sweet Potato Chickpea Hash warm!
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, try incorporating kale or spinach just before serving. You can also customize this hash by adding your favorite spices or toppings, like a fried egg or avocado slices.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 56g
- Dietary Fiber: 12g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 10g