Sweet Potato Hash

When a lot of people think sweet potato, they think of a mash with brown sugar and marshmallows on top at Thanksgiving. I've tried that, and while I might enjoy a bite or two, I really never wanted any more than that.

Then at a restaurant I forget the name of, I was served sweet potato chips as a side item. I tasted one and my taste buds jumped up and said, "I gotta get me more of these!"

At my current favorite diner, which is the Bedford Street Diner, I typically get sweet potato fries as a side. Yes, I know, fried foods are not that great for you, but I hope the general goodness that's in a sweet potato somehow makes up for it.

I'm not skinny, and occasionally research diet programs online. A friend of mine is having a lot of success on the Paleo Diet, and I thought I'd investigate. I've done variations of low-carb and dairy to some success before, but I find it really hard to maintain. I love bread, I love cheese and these are big no-nos on a paleo diet.


Sweet potatoes are a bone of contention. On this food list, they are on the do not eat list. Yet on another site I found this recipe.

Something fried may seem contraindicated on a diet, but if you've done any reading about diets, you've probably seen several articles like this one that talk about the differences between good fats and bad fats.

Anyway, just a couple ingredients in this recipe. I made one for me with just potato and onions, and one for my sweetie with the added green peppers.

• 1 medium sweet potato or yam, diced into small cubes I bought sweet potatoes, which are distinct from  yams
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (optional) 
• 2 tsp olive oil
• fresh ground pepper

The biggest amount of time was spent peeling cubing the sweet potatoes. The recipe is really pretty easy, but it was not easy to manage two pans at a time that needed constant stirring. 
Add the onions and saute for 2-3 minutes.

1. Add the sweet potatoes and bell peppers, and 1 Tbsp of water.
2. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the potatoes are soft.
3. So to not burn, turn and toss frequently.
4. Serve, sprinkling with fresh ground pepper 

What's interesting here is the pan on the left is non-stick and the pan on the right is not. The onions caramelized much more quickly in the left-hand pan.   

I ended up adding an additional teaspoon of oil to each pan because I didn't want anything to burn.
While these were cooking, I had pork chops in the over and veggies in the microwave. 


Both versions were delicious. I liked it better without the green peppers, Ken preferred it with.


Next week salad days!
Have a recipe you'd like me to try? Let's hear it!