Sweet potatoes are one of those magical ingredients that can transform any vegetarian meal into something hearty, vibrant, and deeply satisfying. If you’re searching for “bbc vegetarian recipes sweet potato,” you’re in for a treat!
Inspired by the beloved style of BBC Good Food, this blog post brings you a curated collection of delicious vegetarian sweet potato recipes that are bursting with color, flavor, and nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a comforting midweek dinner, a light lunch, or even a show-stopping side, sweet potatoes can do it all.
From creamy curries to crispy fries and wholesome bakes, these vegetarian recipes celebrate the natural sweetness and velvety texture of sweet potatoes. Not only are they a fantastic source of vitamins and fiber, but they also pair beautifully with spices, herbs, and a variety of global flavors.
Let’s dive into the ultimate list of vegetarian sweet potato recipes that are sure to become staples in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet potatoes are a superstar in vegetarian cooking for good reason. Their natural sweetness complements both savory and spicy dishes, and their creamy flesh is perfect for roasting, mashing, or baking.
These recipes are:
- Nutrient-dense: Packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Easy to prepare: Most dishes require simple steps and accessible ingredients.
- Versatile: Enjoy as mains, sides, or even as a filling snack.
- Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike thanks to their mild, sweet flavor.
- Perfect for meal prep: Many recipes store and reheat beautifully.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply seeking more plant-based inspiration, these sweet potato recipes will satisfy your cravings and nourish your body.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato & Chickpea Curry
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
- 200ml coconut milk
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, to serve
Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can (400g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh lime wedges, to serve
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sweet Potato Fries
- 3 large sweet potatoes, cut into fries
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
Equipment
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven (for curries and stews)
- Baking trays (for fries and roasted sweet potatoes)
- Sharp knife and peeler
- Chopping board
- Mixing bowls
- Kitchen tongs
- Oven mitts
- Measuring spoons and cups
Instructions
Sweet Potato & Chickpea Curry
- Prep your ingredients: Peel and cube the sweet potatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic and ginger.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute.
- Add spices: Sprinkle in curry powder, cumin, and coriander. Stir for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the curry: Add sweet potatoes, chickpeas, chopped tomatoes, and coconut milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or naan.
Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos
- Roast the sweet potatoes: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking tray and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and soft.
- Warm the beans: While sweet potatoes roast, warm black beans in a small pan or microwave until heated through.
- Assemble tacos: Heat tortillas according to package instructions. Fill each with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and avocado slices.
- Finish and serve: Squeeze lime over the top and garnish with chopped coriander if desired. Serve immediately.
Sweet Potato Fries
- Prepare the fries: Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Peel sweet potatoes and cut into thin fries.
- Coat the fries: Toss fries in cornstarch until lightly coated, then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with smoked paprika and salt.
- Bake: Spread fries in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, flip, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until crisp and browned.
- Serve: Enjoy hot as a snack or side dish with your favorite dip.
Tips & Variations
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or fresh chopped chilies to the curry for extra heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt to the curry before serving.
- Switch the beans: Try kidney beans or cannellini beans in place of chickpeas or black beans for a delicious twist.
- Add greens: Toss in a couple of handfuls of spinach or kale to the curry in the last five minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
- Sweet potato fries variation: Sprinkle with parmesan or nutritional yeast after baking for a cheesy kick, or toss in Cajun seasoning for a southern-inspired flavor.
“Roasting sweet potatoes at a high temperature ensures crispy edges and a tender interior—don’t overcrowd your baking tray!”
Nutrition Facts
Recipe | Calories | Protein | Fiber | Fat | Carbs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sweet Potato & Chickpea Curry (per serving) | 320 | 9g | 11g | 8g | 54g |
Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos (per 2 tacos) | 370 | 10g | 10g | 9g | 60g |
Sweet Potato Fries (per portion) | 180 | 2g | 4g | 5g | 32g |
These values are approximate and will vary with exact ingredients and serving sizes.
Serving Suggestions
- Sweet Potato & Chickpea Curry: Serve over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan bread. Add a spoonful of Green Chile Cheese Bread for a delicious fusion twist.
- Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos: Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of sour cream or plant-based yogurt. Pair with homemade salsa for extra zing.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Try them with a tangy yogurt dip, classic ketchup, or even a smoky chipotle mayo. For a meal, serve alongside a hearty sandwich or veggie burger.
- Make it a feast: Combine these sweet potato dishes with a crunchy salad and finish the meal with a comforting dessert like Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce.
“For a balanced vegetarian platter, serve a sweet potato main with a side of Kosher Vegetarian Recipes and fresh seasonal veggies.”
Conclusion
Sweet potatoes are truly a gift to vegetarian cooks. Their adaptability, nutrition, and crowd-pleasing taste make them a staple in kitchens all over the world.
Whether you’re simmering them in a fragrant curry, wrapping them in tortillas for easy tacos, or crisping them up as fries, sweet potatoes can transform your meals into something extraordinary.
I hope these BBC-inspired vegetarian sweet potato recipes inspire you to try something new and delicious this week! Remember, the beauty of these dishes is in their flexibility—don’t be afraid to swap in your favorite veggies, grains, or spices based on what you have on hand.
For more vegetarian inspiration, check out my Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe for a sweet treat or the savory Half Runner Beans Recipe.
Happy cooking, and let sweet potatoes bring warmth and joy to your table!
More BBC Vegetarian Recipes with Sweet Potato: The Ultimate List
Looking to expand your repertoire? Here are some of the best BBC-inspired vegetarian sweet potato recipes you’ll want to try next:
- Sweet Potato and Spinach Frittata: Whisk together eggs (or chickpea flour for a vegan version), roasted sweet potato cubes, fresh spinach, and feta. Bake until golden for a protein-packed brunch.
- Sweet Potato & Lentil Shepherd’s Pie: Top a rich lentil and mushroom filling with creamy mashed sweet potato, bake until bubbling, and serve with green peas.
- Moroccan Sweet Potato Stew: Simmer sweet potatoes with chickpeas, tomatoes, raisins, and warming spices like cinnamon and cumin for a fragrant one-pot dinner.
- Sweet Potato Falafel: Blitz cooked sweet potatoes with chickpeas, garlic, cumin, and coriander, form into balls, and bake or fry. Serve in pitas with salad and tahini sauce.
- Sweet Potato & Cauliflower Curry: Combine roasted cauliflower florets and sweet potato in a tomato-coconut curry sauce for a lush, comforting meal.
- Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burgers: Mash roasted sweet potato with black beans, breadcrumbs, and spices. Shape into patties and pan-fry or bake for a filling vegetarian burger.
- Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Roast whole sweet potatoes, split, and fill with your favorite toppings—think sautéed spinach, feta, crispy chickpeas, or a dollop of yogurt.
- Sweet Potato Soup: Simmer sweet potatoes with onions, garlic, and ginger. Blend until smooth and finish with a swirl of coconut milk for a cozy starter.
“Sweet potatoes are endlessly versatile—pair them with beans, grains, or leafy greens for a complete vegetarian meal.”
For more creative ideas, be sure to browse other favorites like the Gold Medal Flour Recipes Sugar Cookies for dessert or the hearty Kosher Vegetarian Recipes for more main course inspiration.
Whatever your craving, let sweet potato’s natural sweetness and versatility spark your next vegetarian adventure in the kitchen!
📖 Recipe Card: BBC Vegetarian Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chilli
Description: A hearty vegetarian chilli packed with sweet potatoes and black beans, perfect for a warming weeknight meal. This easy recipe is full of flavour and nutritious ingredients.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 500g)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder
- 400g can chopped tomatoes
- 400g can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 150ml vegetable stock
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, red pepper, cumin, paprika, and chilli powder. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the sweet potatoes and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes and vegetable stock. Stir well.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Add the black beans and cook uncovered for 5-7 minutes to thicken.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 10g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 60g
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