Sweet Potatoes: A Super Southern Staple

By Karen Alexander / Photography By | Last Updated October 07, 2018
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sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are delicious and easy to grow in a garden at home.

Part of the morning glory family of plants, sweet potatoes are a nutritious root vegetable that can be used in a wide range of dishes besides the familiar Thanksgiving side dish. Plus, the greens are also edible, either raw or cooked.

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Sweet potatoes are considered a superfood thanks to their great health benefits. They are fat-free, low sodium, high in fiber and packed with vitamins A, B, and C, potassium, manganese and copper. Eating sweet potatoes can help improve your eye health, support a healthy immune system, enhance muscle strength and even reduce anxiety and stress levels. Sweet potatoes are richer in complex carbohydrates than most root vegetables, and the skin of this root vegetable has three times the amount of nutrients compared to the flesh. Try them in place of a baked potato, as a tasty swap for French fries, or as a filling for wonton ravioli. Get to know this super root vegetable with these recipes.

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Sweet Potato Ravioli

sweet potato ravioli
Wonton wrappers make it easy to prepare these savory ravioli, served with a sage and pecan sauce.

Kale and Sweet Potato Empanadas

Kale and Sweet Potato empanadas with pumpkin seed chimichurri on a plate
Make your empanadas small and serve them with Pumpkin Seed Chimichurri as appetizers or make them larger and add a salad for a full meal.

Coffee-Cured Duck and Sweet Potato Waffles

coffee cured duck and sweet potato waffles
Try this variation on the more familiar chicken and waffles for an at-home brunch celebration.

Sweet Potato Soup & Peanut Pesto

Sweet potato soup recipe from Northeast Florida
This soup is inspired by a cold soup served at the White Dog Café in Philadelphia. It is equally delicious served hot. It can be made as much as two days ahead of time.

Sweet Potato Hash

sweet potato hash
This hash utilizes sweet potatoes, which have a long shelf life, and sautéed peppers and onions, which can be kept pre-cooked and frozen, ready to add to recipes. Enjoy this dish as a side for...

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