Quick & Easy Ham and Sweet Potato Delight: A Flavorful Weeknight Meal
Are you searching for a delicious and satisfying meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this quick and easy ham and sweet potato recipe! It’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution, combining the savory goodness of ham with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite spices and herbs. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover ham from a holiday feast.
This article will guide you through a simple yet flavorful ham and sweet potato dish, providing detailed instructions, helpful tips, and variations to make it your own. Get ready to enjoy a wholesome and comforting meal that the whole family will love!
## Why This Recipe Works
* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe utilizes simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful and Satisfying:** The combination of savory ham and sweet potatoes creates a delightful balance of flavors that is both comforting and satisfying.
* **Versatile and Customizable:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding different spices, herbs, and vegetables.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** This recipe is a great way to use up leftover ham, reducing food waste and creating a delicious new meal.
* **Nutritious and Wholesome:** Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making this a healthy and balanced meal option.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delectable ham and sweet potato dish. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preferences and the number of servings you’re making.
* **Cooked Ham:** 1-2 pounds, cubed or diced. Pre-cooked ham steaks or leftover holiday ham work perfectly. If using ham steaks, remove the rind if present. Consider the salt content of the ham; saltier hams might require less added salt later in the recipe.
* **Sweet Potatoes:** 2-3 medium-sized, peeled and cubed. Look for firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin. You can use any variety of sweet potato you prefer – garnet, jewel, or Japanese sweet potatoes all work well.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Olive oil adds flavor and helps the sweet potatoes brown nicely. You can substitute with other oils like avocado oil or coconut oil if desired.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Onion provides a savory base for the dish. Yellow or white onions are suitable choices.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used as a substitute (about 1/2 teaspoon).
* **Spices:** 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, salt to taste. Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth of flavor that complements both the ham and sweet potatoes. Adjust salt according to the saltiness of your ham.
* **Optional Add-ins:**
* **Maple Syrup or Honey:** 1-2 tablespoons (for added sweetness and glaze). If you prefer a sweeter dish, drizzle with maple syrup or honey towards the end of cooking.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage (for added aroma and flavor). Fresh herbs elevate the dish with their vibrant flavors. Add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their freshness.
* **Vegetables:** Bell peppers, broccoli florets, Brussels sprouts, or spinach (for added nutrients and texture). Adding other vegetables makes this a complete and well-rounded meal. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the vegetables are cooked to your liking.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar or Balsamic Vinegar:** 1 tablespoon (for a tangy kick). A splash of vinegar adds brightness and acidity to balance the sweetness and richness of the dish.
## Equipment Needed
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring spoons and cups
* Spatula or wooden spoon
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying ham and sweet potato meal.
**1. Prepare the Ingredients:**
* Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into approximately 1-inch pieces. Uniformly sized pieces will ensure even cooking.
* Dice or cube the cooked ham into bite-sized pieces. Remove any bone or excess fat from the ham.
* Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Having all the ingredients prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process smoother.
**2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:**
* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke.
* Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
**3. Add the Sweet Potatoes and Spices:**
* Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the skillet. Spread them out in a single layer as much as possible.
* Sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt (to taste). Adjust the amount of salt based on the saltiness of your ham.
* Stir well to coat the sweet potatoes with the spices. Ensure that all the sweet potatoes are evenly seasoned.
**4. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:**
* Cook the sweet potatoes for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly browned. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the cubes and the heat of your stove. You can add a tablespoon or two of water or broth to the skillet if the sweet potatoes start to stick.
* Cover the skillet with a lid to help steam the sweet potatoes and speed up the cooking process. This will also help to keep them from drying out.
* Check for doneness by piercing a sweet potato cube with a fork. It should be easily pierced with minimal resistance.
**5. Add the Ham:**
* Add the cubed ham to the skillet with the sweet potatoes. Gently stir to combine.
* Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the ham is heated through. Be careful not to overcook the ham, as it can become dry.
**6. Optional: Add Sweetener, Herbs, and Vegetables:**
* If desired, drizzle with maple syrup or honey for added sweetness. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
* Stir in fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or sage. Fresh herbs add a wonderful aroma and flavor.
* If adding other vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli florets, or Brussels sprouts, add them along with the sweet potatoes and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Leafy greens like spinach can be added towards the end of cooking. If using frozen vegetables, add them about halfway through cooking the sweet potatoes to ensure they cook through.
**7. Season to Taste and Serve:**
* Taste the ham and sweet potato mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or spices to your liking.
* Serve hot and enjoy! This dish is delicious on its own or served with a side salad or crusty bread.
## Tips for Success
* **Use high-quality ham:** The flavor of the ham will greatly impact the overall taste of the dish, so choose a high-quality variety that you enjoy.
* **Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform pieces:** This will ensure that they cook evenly. Aim for approximately 1-inch cubes.
* **Don’t overcrowd the skillet:** If necessary, cook the sweet potatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can prevent them from browning properly.
* **Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the sweet potatoes:** Smaller cubes will cook faster than larger cubes.
* **Be careful not to overcook the ham:** Overcooked ham can become dry and tough. Heat it through gently to prevent this.
* **Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs:** This recipe is very versatile, so feel free to add your favorite flavors.
* **For a crispier finish, try roasting the sweet potatoes:** Toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil and spices and roast them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned. Then, add the cooked ham and heat through before serving.
## Variations and Additions
This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to customize it to your liking. Here are some variations and additions to inspire you:
* **Spicy Ham and Sweet Potato:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Maple-Glazed Ham and Sweet Potato:** Drizzle with maple syrup during the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet and sticky glaze.
* **Honey-Mustard Ham and Sweet Potato:** Combine honey and Dijon mustard for a tangy and flavorful glaze.
* **Cranberry Ham and Sweet Potato:** Add dried cranberries or cranberry sauce for a festive twist.
* **Bacon Ham and Sweet Potato:** Cook some bacon until crispy and add it to the dish for extra flavor and texture. Use the bacon fat to sauté the onions for even more flavor!
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Bell peppers, broccoli florets, Brussels sprouts, spinach, kale, or zucchini all make great additions to this dish. Consider roasting them alongside the sweet potatoes for a deeper, caramelized flavor.
* **Add Fruit:** Diced apples or pears add a touch of sweetness and acidity that complements the ham and sweet potatoes beautifully.
* **Add Nuts:** Toasted pecans or walnuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
* **Make it a Casserole:** Combine the cooked ham and sweet potatoes with a creamy sauce (such as a cheese sauce or a béchamel sauce) and bake in a casserole dish until bubbly and golden brown.
* **Serve it over Rice or Quinoa:** Turn this into a heartier meal by serving it over rice, quinoa, or another grain.
* **Make it a Sheet Pan Dinner:** Toss the sweet potatoes and other vegetables with olive oil and spices and spread them out on a baking sheet. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until tender. Add the ham during the last few minutes of cooking to heat it through. This minimizes dishes!
## Serving Suggestions
This ham and sweet potato dish can be served as a main course for dinner or as a hearty side dish. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Serve it with a side salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the richness of the ham and sweet potatoes.
* **Serve it with crusty bread:** Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Serve it with roasted vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts would be great additions.
* **Serve it with cornbread:** Cornbread is a classic Southern side dish that pairs well with ham and sweet potatoes.
* **Top it with a fried egg:** A fried egg adds protein and richness to the dish.
## Storage and Reheating
* **Storage:** Leftover ham and sweet potato can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Here is an approximate estimate per serving:
* Calories: 300-400
* Protein: 20-30g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 5-7g
## Conclusion
This quick and easy ham and sweet potato recipe is a winner for busy weeknights. It’s packed with flavor, satisfying, and incredibly versatile. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can have a delicious and wholesome meal on the table in no time. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a delightful ham and sweet potato experience! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and add-ins to create your own signature version of this classic dish. Happy cooking!