As the days grow shorter and a gentle chill settles over the homestead, our thoughts naturally turn to warm, nourishing meals that fuel us through the colder months. This Savory Sweet Potato Hash has become a beloved staple in our kitchen, a simple yet satisfying dish that perfectly embodies the spirit of resourceful, seasonal eating.
The journey of this hash begins right here on our land. The large, organically grown sweet potato, with its vibrant orange flesh, was likely harvested just a few weeks ago, carefully cured and stored for moments like these. There’s a unique satisfaction in digging into the fruits (or rather, roots) of our labor, knowing the care and attention that went into nurturing them from tiny slips to these substantial tubers.
Even the water we use feels significant here. Our well provides us with naturally filtered water, a pure and essential ingredient in even the simplest of dishes. The sea salt, too, feels like a grounding element, a natural seasoning that enhances the inherent flavors of the earth.
For a touch of richness and that deeply satisfying flavor, we turn to grass-fed beef tallow. It’s a traditional fat that has found its rightful place back in our cooking, a healthier and more flavorful alternative to many modern oils. Sourcing it from a local farm that prioritizes ethical and sustainable practices aligns perfectly with our homestead values.
The small white onion, also organically grown, adds a lovely pungent sweetness to the hash. There’s something so fundamental about the humble onion, a workhorse in the kitchen that forms the base of so many comforting meals. Dicing it finely, the sharp scent filling the air, is a familiar and comforting task.
To elevate this simple hash, we often include some pasture-raised ham steak, sourced from a reputable farm that treats their animals with respect. The salty, savory notes of the ham complement the sweetness of the potato beautifully, adding a welcome protein boost, especially when we enjoy this as part of a hearty breakfast.
Now for the magic – the touch of warmth and sweetness that truly makes this hash special. A generous pinch of ground cinnamon and a whisper of cayenne pepper create a delightful dance of flavors, the sweet spice playing against the subtle heat. It might sound unusual, but trust me, it’s a combination that sings.
Finally, a drizzle of unpasteurized raw honey adds a touch of natural sweetness, a gift from the bees that buzz around our fruit trees in the warmer months. And sometimes, if I’m feeling a little adventurous, a splash of apple cider vinegar adds a bright, tangy note that really wakes up the flavors and offers those wonderful gut health benefits we’re always striving for.
The cooking process itself is a simple pleasure. Steaming the diced sweet potatoes first helps them soften while retaining more of their precious nutrients – a little tip passed down through generations who understood the importance of nourishing food. The gentle sizzle of the onion in the hot beef tallow, followed by the addition of the sweet potatoes and ham, creates a symphony of comforting sounds and aromas in the kitchen.
Covering the skillet allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, the sweet potatoes becoming tender and the spices infusing every bite. The final flourish of honey and apple cider vinegar, stirred in until evenly distributed, adds a glistening sheen and that final layer of flavor that makes this hash truly irresistible.
This Savory Sweet Potato Hash isn’t just a quick and easy meal; it’s a celebration of the simple goodness of wholesome ingredients. It’s a reminder that even the most humble of vegetables can be transformed into something truly special with a little care and intention. Whether served alongside our morning eggs, providing a sustaining start to a busy day on the homestead, or as a warm and comforting side dish with roasted chicken on a chilly evening, this hash has earned its place as a beloved tradition in our family kitchen. It’s a taste of the good life, rooted in the land and prepared with love.
Savory Sweet Potato Hash
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato organically grown, diced
- 1 tbsp filtered water or as needed
- to taste sea salt
- 1 tbsp beef tallow grass-fed
- 1 small white onion organically grown, diced
- 1 cup pasture-raised ham steak diced, sourced from a reputable farm
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp raw honey or to taste, unpasteurized
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar optional, for added flavor and gut health benefits.
Instructions
- Place sweet potato in a bowl; add filtered water and sea salt. Steam in a saucepan or steamer basket until partially softened, about 5-7 minutes; drain. Steaming helps retain more nutrients compared to microwaving.
- Heat beef tallow in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir onion in hot tallow until slightly softened, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir sweet potato, ham, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and sea salt into onion; cover skillet with a lid. Cook sweet potato mixture, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are cooked through, about 10 minutes; drizzle with raw honey and apple cider vinegar (if using). Cook and stir until honey is evenly distributed, 1 to 2 more minutes.
Notes
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