Spiced Sweet Potato Chickpea Hash
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
I adore this Spiced Sweet Potato Chickpea Hash because it's the perfect blend of flavors and textures. The sweet potatoes caramelize beautifully, while the chickpeas bring a hearty protein punch to the dish. Every bite is a delightful combination of spices that warms the soul. Plus, it's incredibly versatile—great for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner. I love making this when I'm looking for a quick yet nutritious meal that satisfies without weighing me down. Serve it with a poached egg on top for an extra special touch!
My journey with this Spiced Sweet Potato Chickpea Hash began one chilly afternoon when I craved something warm and filling. I experimented with various spices and discovered the perfect blend of cumin, paprika, and cayenne that brings out the sweetness of the potatoes while giving it a delightful kick. The best part? You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your palate.
One tip I've found essential is to roast the sweet potatoes until they're golden brown. This step enhances their natural sweetness, creating a lovely contrast with the chickpeas. Pair it with some fresh herbs for a burst of color and flavor!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Warm, earthy spices elevate the flavor profile
- Nutritious and filling, perfect for any meal
- Super easy to prepare and customizable
Understanding the Ingredients
Sweet potatoes are the star of this dish. Their natural sweetness caramelizes beautifully during roasting, adding a depth of flavor that complements the earthy spices. When selecting sweet potatoes, look for ones that are firm and free of bruises. The fresher the sweet potatoes, the sweeter the taste, which enhances the overall dish significantly.
Chickpeas not only provide a hearty protein source, but they also add a wonderful texture contrast to the softness of the sweet potatoes. Canned chickpeas are convenient, but if you have time, cooking dried chickpeas can elevate the flavor even more. Just make sure to soak them overnight and boil until tender, which usually takes about 1-2 hours.
Cooking Technique Tips
Roasting sweet potatoes at a high temperature of 400°F (200°C) is key to achieving that crispy outside and tender inside. Ensure they are spread out evenly on the baking sheet to allow for proper caramelization. If they are too crowded, they will steam instead of roast, resulting in a mushy texture rather than the desired crispness.
When sautéing the vegetables in your skillet, keep an eye on the heat. Medium heat allows the onions and bell peppers to soften without burning. Stir constantly to prevent sticking, and if they begin to brown too quickly, reduce the heat. This gentle cooking brings out their natural sweetness, which balances the spices beautifully.
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Avocado slices
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Cooking Steps
Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Begin by dicing the sweet potatoes, and chopping the bell pepper and onion. Mince the garlic and set aside.
Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and half the spices (cumin and smoked paprika). Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes, or until they are tender and golden.
Cook the Vegetables
While the potatoes are roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
Combine and Serve
Once the sweet potatoes are roasted, add them to the skillet along with the chickpeas and the remaining spices. Stir to combine and cook for another 3-5 minutes to heat through. Serve hot, garnished with the cilantro and avocado if desired.
Enjoy Your Meal!
Pro Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the sweet potatoes before roasting. It complements the sweetness beautifully!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Spiced Sweet Potato Chickpea Hash can easily be made ahead. Preparation can be done in advance, including dicing the sweet potatoes and prepping the vegetables. Store each in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat everything together in a skillet until heated through, which should take about 5-7 minutes over medium heat.
If you prefer, you can prepare the entire hash and store it in the fridge. Halve the cooking time to allow for reheating later. This dish can also be frozen for up to a month; just ensure it’s in an airtight container. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This hash serves well on its own, but for a heartier meal, consider topping it with a poached or fried egg. The runny yolk adds creaminess that complements the spices beautifully. You can also sprinkle some feta cheese on top for a touch of saltiness that balances the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
Feel free to customize this dish to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Swap in other vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, or add some diced tomatoes for extra moisture. For a different flavor profile, consider using curry powder instead of the suggested spices, providing an entirely new culinary experience.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of beans instead of chickpeas?
Yes, black beans or kidney beans can be a great substitute for chickpeas.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
→ How can I make this dish vegan?
This recipe is already vegan! Just make sure the garnishes you choose are also plant-based.
→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can pre-cook the sweet potatoes and chickpeas, then combine and reheat when you're ready to eat.
Spiced Sweet Potato Chickpea Hash
I adore this Spiced Sweet Potato Chickpea Hash because it's the perfect blend of flavors and textures. The sweet potatoes caramelize beautifully, while the chickpeas bring a hearty protein punch to the dish. Every bite is a delightful combination of spices that warms the soul. Plus, it's incredibly versatile—great for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner. I love making this when I'm looking for a quick yet nutritious meal that satisfies without weighing me down. Serve it with a poached egg on top for an extra special touch!
Created by: Diana Brooks
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Basic Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Avocado slices
- Lime wedges
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Begin by dicing the sweet potatoes, and chopping the bell pepper and onion. Mince the garlic and set aside.
Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and half the spices (cumin and smoked paprika). Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes, or until they are tender and golden.
While the potatoes are roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
Once the sweet potatoes are roasted, add them to the skillet along with the chickpeas and the remaining spices. Stir to combine and cook for another 3-5 minutes to heat through. Serve hot, garnished with the cilantro and avocado if desired.
Extra Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the sweet potatoes before roasting. It complements the sweetness beautifully!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 60g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 10g