Sweet Potato Hash - A Quick Easy Sweet Potato Hash Recipe (2024)

*This post for Harissa Sweet Potato Hashfirst appeared on March 29, 2012. I updated the recipe a bit (made it better!), reshot the photographs and included a video below. I love simple potato hash recipes for any meal of the day when you need to eat quickly. Of course, any of them are improved with a runny egg or two on top. This one is part Mexican inspired and part Middle Eastern thanks to the harissa paste. It’s ready in 25 minutes and doesn’t skimp on flavor or satiety. Text below is original and back when I had a full time job in addition to this little blog gig.

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This is a quick Mexican inspired sweet potato hash recipe with a spicy harissa kick. Super simple and makes the perfect breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Sweet Potato Hash - A Quick Easy Sweet Potato Hash Recipe (1)

Are you a procrastinator?

I totally am.

I never used to be this way but within the past 2-3 years and specifically when it comes to work, I’ve been leaving stuff to the very last minute. Like whoa.

I’ve had this webinar on my calendar for no joke, 5 months. I won’t even get into how much I don’t want to do it, don’t think I should have to do it, or how much of a complete waste of time it’s going to be but nonetheless, it’s today.

I ignored it, fought it, prayed it would go away (it didn’t) and just downright refused to acknowledge it’s existence.

Until yesterday morning.

Employee of the year right here.

Sweet Potato Hash - A Quick Easy Sweet Potato Hash Recipe (2)

So for 5 hours straight I was buried in about 15 different PowerPoint slides, trying my best to ignore twitter and attempting to put together something of substance that I can talk about for 45 minutes on college campuses’ deferred maintenance and planning.

Enthralling, no?

When I was finally getting to a place where I realized this thing was actually in somewhat decent shape and I might not sound like a babbling idiot while presenting, I looked at the clock and it was after 1pm.

I had a 1:30pm conference call and needed lunch quick if I was going to be able to maintain a somewhat tame (as opposed to complete cranky hungry bitch) composure on this call.

Sweet Potato Hash - A Quick Easy Sweet Potato Hash Recipe (3)

And so this harissa sweet potato hash was born.

A procrastination spurred, hangry bitch avoidance of a lunch.

The Basics of a Hash

I love hash recipes because they really only require a few main ingredients:

After that, the world is your oyster.

For this sweet potato hash, I chose a Mexican theme and went with green onions, black beans, bell peppers and some typical Mexican spices like cumin and smoked paprika.

Check out this turkey sweet potato skillet or this skillet ground beef and sweet potatoes for similarly flavored easy meals.

The harissa paste gives a spicy kick. If you like things not so spicy, just use a little less than the recommended 1 tablespoon.

More hash recipes to try:
Corned beef hash breakfast sandwich
Kimchi potato hash
Jalapeno cilantro hash stuffed portobellos
Brussels sprouts pumpkin and apple hash

Sweet Potato Hash - A Quick Easy Sweet Potato Hash Recipe (4)

This easy sweet potato hash recipe is ahealthy, quick, satisfying breakfast, lunch or dinner appropriate meal forone really hungry person or more realistically, two.

When you’re pressed for time, plates are overrated.

More skillet meals –> chicken artichoke olive skillet| chinese chicken zoodles| chorizo spinach skillet pizza

4.42 from 24 votes

Harissa Sweet Potato Hash

By: Gina Matsoukas

Servings: 2 servings

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 20 minutes mins

Total: 25 minutes mins

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Sweet Potato Hash - A Quick Easy Sweet Potato Hash Recipe (5)

This is a quick Mexican inspired sweet potato hash for one topped with an egg. Breakfast, lunch or dinner appropriate.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus more for cooking
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 small sweet potato, chopped into small cubes
  • 1 tablespoon harissa paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup packed baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 green onion, chopped

Instructions

  • Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the onions and let cook 2-3 minutes until softened.

  • Add the peppers and garlic and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until softened.

  • Add sweet potato, harissa paste, all the spices and a drizzle more of the olive oil. Toss to combine and cook until the potatoes are fork tender and softened, about 5-7 minutes.

  • Add the spinach and black beans to the skillet, toss and cook until spinach is wilted.

  • Crack the eggs over the top of the hash, cover with a lid and cook until egg whites are set.

  • Remove the lid, season with additional salt and pepper. Sprinkle the chopped green onion on top and serve.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1SERVINGCalories: 321kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 14gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 186mgSodium: 488mgFiber: 9gSugar: 9g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: Mexican

TRIED THIS RECIPE?COMMENT + RATE BELOW!

Gina Matsoukas

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

Sweet Potato Hash - A Quick Easy Sweet Potato Hash Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the tips and tricks of sweet potatoes? ›

Selection and storage tips: Choose firm, small- to medium-sized potatoes with smooth skin. Avoid cracks, soft spots and blemishes. Choose sweet potatoes with a bright, uniform color. Store them in a cool, dark, dry place for use within two to three weeks or at room temperature for up to a week.

Can diabetics eat sweet potatoes everyday? ›

You can still eat sweet potatoes if you have diabetes, assures Huff. The fiber content in sweet potatoes, especially if you consume them with the skin on, can help reduce spikes in your blood sugar. Plus, how you cook your sweet potatoes can also help reduce the extent to which your blood sugar rises.

Is it better to boil or bake sweet potatoes? ›

Baking can also cause an 80% drop in vitamin A levels, twice as much as boiling. Therefore, from a nutritional standpoint, boiling rather than baking should be recommended for cooking sweet potato.

What makes a sweet potato sweeter? ›

Sweet potatoes are between 1 and 2.5 per cent sugar when raw, but they get sweeter as they cook thanks to the work of amylase enzymes that break down starch into simple sugars. These enzymes are most active at 75°C (167°F).

Why do you need to soak sweet potatoes before cooking? ›

TIPS & TRICKS to Make this Recipe: The main secrets to achieving that incredible crispy texture, is to soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove the starch from the sweet potatoes so they´re not limp & soggy.

When should you not eat sweet potatoes? ›

How to tell if sweet potatoes have gone bad. If your sweet potato is soft in spots, smells rotten, or oozes a mysterious liquid, that potato should be discarded. Another sign that sweet potatoes have taken a turn for the worse is if they start growing stalky purplish sprouts.

Is sweet potato bad for high blood sugar? ›

Sweet potatoes are known to be high in fiber and have a low glycemic index, which results in a less immediate impact on blood glucose levels. This can help people with diabetes keep their blood sugar levels in check. Sweet potatoes can be: Baked or microwaved.

Do sweet potatoes spike sugar? ›

Since sweet potatoes are high in carbohydrates, they can spike blood sugar levels. Their fiber content helps to slow down this process. Orange sweet potatoes have a higher GI. This can increase your blood sugar level, compared to other sweet potato varieties.

What brings out the flavor of sweet potatoes? ›

Slow-roasting the sweet potatoes activates endogenous enzymes that bring out their natural sweetness.

What meat pairs best with sweet potato? ›

Let's delve into the meats that harmonize best with sweet potato mash, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
  1. Pork Tenderloin: A Symphony of Flavors. ...
  2. Roasted Duck: An Opulent Pairing. ...
  3. Grilled Chicken: A Lighter Complement. ...
  4. Braised Beef Short Ribs: Comfort in Every Bite. ...
  5. Seared Salmon: An Unexpected Harmony.

What flavors taste good with sweet potatoes? ›

14 Ways To Add More Flavor To Sweet Potatoes
  • Slather with cinnamon butter. Siims/Getty Images. ...
  • Drizzle with tahini. ...
  • Roast with savory chili sauce. ...
  • Sprinkle on some good ol' salt and pepper. ...
  • Pan fry with ginger and orange. ...
  • Rub with garlic and rosemary. ...
  • Dip in honey mustard. ...
  • Sweeten with brown sugar and pecans.
Feb 17, 2023

Should I peel sweet potatoes before boiling? ›

There is not much difference between boiling sweet potatoes with the skins on versus peeling them, but you will get a boost of fiber and potassium if you keep the skin on. The skin also adds a subtle texture to each bite. If you're looking for a smoother mash, peel the potatoes first before boiling.

Is it better to microwave or bake a sweet potato? ›

It's really the best way. Microwaving sweet potatoes cuts down cook time by 45 to 55 minutes, and, according to a 2018 study, helps maintain the potato's nutritional value. All cooking methods cause foods to lose some of their nutrients, but the quicker your potato cooks, the more nutrients it will retain.

Why is my sweet potato hard after cooking? ›

If the potato is still firm when squeezed, that means it needs to cook more. It is best to keep the sweet potatoes as dry as possible while baking, air frying, or microwaving for the crispiest skin and fluffiest inside.

What are some interesting facts about sweet potatoes? ›

Sweet potatoes are planted in the spring and harvested in the fall. Sweet potatoes are great sources of vitamin A, vitamin C, beta carotene, fiber and potassium. Sweet potatoes can be white, yellow, red, purple or orange. The orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are sweeter than the other varieties.

How do you make sweet potatoes easier to cut? ›

how to soften sweet potatoes For Cutting
  1. Parboil – peel and trim off both ends of the sweet potato and place in a saucepot with water. ...
  2. Microwave – use a fork to poke holes into the sweet potato and microwave for 2-3 minutes, depending on size.
Apr 14, 2023

How do you get the most nutrients out of sweet potatoes? ›

Boiling sweet potatoes retains more beta-carotene and makes the nutrient more absorbable than other cooking methods such as baking or frying. Up to 92% of the nutrient can be retained by limiting the cook time, such as boiling in a pot with a tightly covered lid for 20 minutes.

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