Introduction
Sweet potato steaks are a delicious and nutritious vegetarian dish that can be served as a main or a side. Roasted to perfection and topped with a vibrant garlic-sesame-chili mixture and a creamy whipped tahini yogurt sauce, these steaks offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also brings a touch of sophistication to any meal.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Sweet Potato Steaks:
1 large sweet potato (to yield 2 steaks approximately 1.8 cm thick, 17 cm long, and 7 cm wide)
2–3 teaspoons olive oil
Spice Mix:
1½ teaspoons smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
½ teaspoon onion powder (or additional garlic powder)
½ teaspoon garlic powder (or additional onion powder)
¼ teaspoon cumin powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Whipped Tahini Yogurt Sauce:
1 cup plain yogurt (250g)
2½ tablespoons tahini
1½ tablespoons lemon juice
1 garlic clove, finely grated
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Topping:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
1½ tablespoons shallot (eschalot), finely chopped
1 tablespoon red cayenne pepper, deseeded and finely chopped
1 tablespoon green cayenne pepper, deseeded and finely chopped
1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
Serving:
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
2 tablespoons coriander (cilantro) leaves, finely chopped
Pinch of sumac (optional)
Pita or Lebanese bread, toasted
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Yield: Serves 2
This recipe not only highlights the unique sweetness of the sweet potatoes but also incorporates a variety of spices and toppings that elevate the flavors, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C (fan-forced). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Prepare Sweet Potato Steaks
Trim one end of the sweet potato to create a stable base. Stand it upright and slice off the sides to form a rectangular shape. Cut two steaks, each about 1.8 cm thick, from the center. Rub each steak with 2–3 teaspoons of olive oil. Mix the spice ingredients and sprinkle evenly over both sides of the steaks.
Bake Sweet Potato Steaks
Place the seasoned steaks on the prepared tray and bake for 45–50 minutes until tender. Do not flip during baking.
Prepare Whipped Tahini Yogurt Sauce
In a heatproof bowl, combine yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, grated garlic, and salt. Whisk until smooth. Microwave for 20 seconds on high, then whisk again until the mixture resembles soft whipped cream. Set aside to use warm or at room temperature.
Toast Pine Nuts
In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until lightly golden. Transfer to a bowl immediately to prevent overcooking.
Prepare Topping
In the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped shallot, red and green cayenne peppers, and sesame seeds. Sauté until the garlic turns golden. Transfer the mixture to a bowl immediately to prevent burning.
Assemble Dish
Spread most of the whipped tahini yogurt sauce onto serving plates, reserving some for drizzling. Place the baked sweet potato steaks on top of the sauce. Sprinkle the garlic-sesame-chilli topping over the steaks. Drizzle with the reserved yogurt sauce. Garnish with toasted pine nuts, chopped coriander leaves, and a pinch of sumac if using. Serve with toasted pita or Lebanese bread on the side.
Notes
Sweet Potato Steaks
Ensure that the sweet potato is firm and free of blemishes for the best texture when baking.
Spice Mix Adjustments
Feel free to adjust the type and amount of spices according to personal taste preferences.
Whipped Tahini Yogurt Sauce
The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator; however, reheat gently before serving.
Pine Nuts
Monitor the pine nuts closely while toasting, as they can quickly go from golden to burnt.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a light salad for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Oven Baking
Oven baking is an effective cooking technique that uses dry heat to cook food evenly. In this recipe, sweet potato steaks are baked until tender, allowing their natural sweetness to develop.
Slicing
Slicing involves cutting ingredients into specific shapes and sizes to ensure even cooking and presentation. For this dish, slicing the sweet potato into rectangular steaks creates uniform thickness for consistent baking.
Seasoning
Seasoning is the process of adding spices and herbs to enhance the flavor of the dish. The spice mix for the sweet potato steaks adds depth and complexity to the dish.
Whipping
Whipping is a technique used to incorporate air into a mixture, creating a light and creamy texture. In this recipe, yogurt and tahini are whipped together for a smooth and fluffy sauce.
Toasting
Toasting involves cooking nuts or seeds over low heat to enhance their flavor and crunchiness. This recipe calls for toasting pine nuts until they are golden brown for added flavor.
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking method where ingredients are cooked quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over medium-high heat. The topping for the sweet potato steaks is sautéed until garlic is golden and fragrant.
Assembling
Assembling refers to the process of layering all components of a dish for serving. In this recipe, the whipped tahini yogurt sauce is spread on the plate, topped with sweet potato steaks, and garnished for an appealing presentation.
FAQ
Can I use other types of potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute sweet potatoes with other potatoes, but the cooking time and flavor profile may change.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Can I make the whipped tahini yogurt sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the whipped tahini yogurt sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick whisk before serving.
Is this dish suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this dish vegan, use a plant-based yogurt in place of regular yogurt.
What can I serve with these sweet potato steaks?
These steaks pair well with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or grains like quinoa or couscous.
Conclusion
This dish of sweet potato steaks paired with whipped tahini yogurt sauce and a vibrant topping offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The smokiness of the paprika combined with the creamy tahini yogurt elevates the sweetness of the potatoes, making it a satisfying meal that is both delicious and nutritious.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
Replace sweet potatoes with cauliflower, toss with the same spice mix, and roast until golden. Serve with a similar whipped tahini sauce.
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Bake sweet potatoes whole, then stuff with black beans, corn, and avocado. Drizzle with tahini yogurt sauce for a hearty meal.
Quinoa Salad with Tahini Dressing
Use the whipped tahini yogurt sauce as a dressing for a quinoa salad, incorporating cucumbers, tomatoes, and parsley for freshness.
Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry
Utilize sweet potatoes in a curry with chickpeas, coconut milk, and spices for a warming dish that can be served over rice or with naan.
Grilled Vegetable Medley
Mix grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus, seasoned with the same spice mix and served alongside the tahini yogurt sauce for dipping.
Stuffed Pita with Roasted Veggies
Fill toasted pita with roasted sweet potatoes, tahini sauce, greens, and your choice of protein for a quick and tasty lunch option.
Sweet Potato Hash
Create a breakfast hash with diced sweet potatoes, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and scrambled eggs, drizzled with tahini yogurt sauce.
