Passover is a wonderful time to explore traditional flavors with a fresh twist, and sweet potatoes offer a perfect canvas for creating delicious, kosher-for-Passover dishes. Rich in natural sweetness and packed with nutrients, sweet potatoes bring warmth and comfort to any meal.
Whether you’re looking to prepare a sweet dessert or a savory side, these Passover sweet potato recipes combine simplicity with flavor, ensuring your holiday table is both festive and nourishing.
In this blog post, you’ll discover three distinct recipes that highlight the versatility of sweet potatoes during Passover. From a spiced sweet potato kugel to a refreshing salad and a luscious dessert mash, these recipes are designed to delight your family and guests while honoring the traditions of the holiday.
Get ready to savor the season with these easy-to-follow, mouthwatering dishes!
Why You’ll Love These Recipes
Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also naturally gluten-free and packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. These qualities make them an excellent choice for Passover cooking, where dietary restrictions often necessitate creative ingredient swaps.
The recipes featured here are designed to be both simple and satisfying, perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
Each recipe balances flavor and texture beautifully, incorporating warming spices, fresh herbs, and complementary ingredients that elevate sweet potatoes beyond the ordinary. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or bringing a dish to a Seder, these recipes promise to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes – medium-sized, peeled and diced or sliced as needed
- Matzo meal – for kugel binding
- Eggs – to bind and enrich
- Honey or maple syrup – natural sweeteners
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg – for warm spices
- Olive oil or coconut oil – for roasting or sautéing
- Fresh herbs – such as parsley or cilantro (for salad)
- Red onion – thinly sliced (for salad)
- Lemon juice – fresh, for dressing
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Chopped walnuts or pecans – optional, for added crunch
- Raisins or dried cranberries – optional, for sweetness
- Matzo farfel – optional, for textural variation
Equipment
- Baking sheet or roasting pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork (for beating eggs)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Food processor or potato masher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
- Large skillet (optional, for sautéing)
- 9×9-inch baking dish (for kugel)
Instructions
Sweet Potato Kugel
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with olive oil or coconut oil.
- Peel and grate 3 medium sweet potatoes using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated sweet potato in a large mixing bowl.
- Add 3 eggs, 1/2 cup matzo meal, 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the sweet potatoes. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Optionally fold in 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or raisins for added texture and flavor.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the kugel is set and the top is golden brown. Insert a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean.
- Let cool slightly before serving. This dish can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Sweet Potato and Herb Salad
- Roast 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed on a baking sheet with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
- While the sweet potatoes roast, prepare the dressing: whisk together 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- In a large bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, 1/2 thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
- Toss the salad with the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Optionally add 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Sweet Potato Dessert Mash
- Boil or steam 3 medium sweet potatoes until tender (about 20 minutes).
- Drain and mash the sweet potatoes in a large bowl with a potato masher or fork.
- Add 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until smooth.
- Optionally stir in 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries or raisins and 1/4 cup chopped nuts.
- Serve warm or chilled as a comforting dessert or side dish.
Tips & Variations
For a savory twist on the sweet potato kugel, omit the honey and cinnamon, and add sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Try using matzo farfel instead of matzo meal for a crunchier kugel texture.
For a vegan version of the salad, replace honey with agave syrup or maple syrup and use a flax egg substitute in the kugel.
Roasting sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cumin adds depth of flavor to the salad.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180-220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 4-6g (depending on oil and nuts) |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Vitamin A | 350% DV |
| Vitamin C | 30% DV |
Serving Suggestions
These sweet potato dishes are versatile and pair beautifully with many traditional Passover meals. Serve the Sweet Potato Kugel alongside roasted chicken or brisket for a hearty, comforting combination.
The Sweet Potato and Herb Salad offers a refreshing contrast to rich main dishes and can also work well as a light lunch or appetizer.
The Sweet Potato Dessert Mash is a perfect way to end your meal on a naturally sweet and wholesome note. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream to elevate the dessert presentation.
For more Passover inspiration, check out our other favorite recipes like Matzo Ball Soup, Traditional Charoset, and Roasted Brisket.
Conclusion
Sweet potatoes are a wonderful ingredient to celebrate during Passover, offering both nutritional benefits and delicious flavor. These recipes showcase their versatility, from a sweet and spiced kugel to a vibrant herb salad and a comforting dessert mash.
Whether you’re a seasoned Passover cook or trying these dishes for the first time, these recipes are sure to enhance your holiday meals with warmth and tradition.
By incorporating simple ingredients and thoughtful preparation, you can create dishes that are not only kosher for Passover but also satisfying and memorable. We hope these recipes inspire you to bring a little extra sweetness and color to your holiday table this year.
Happy Passover and happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Passover Sweet Potato Kugel
Description: A delicious and traditional Passover sweet potato kugel that is naturally gluten-free and packed with warm spices. Perfect as a side dish for your holiday meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT60M
Total Time: PT75M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and grated
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup matzo meal
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine grated sweet potatoes, eggs, matzo meal, honey, oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla, and orange juice.
- Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Fold in chopped pecans if using.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 35g
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