Sweet Potato And Bacon Hash Recipe

I love making dishes that are alive with color and flavor, and this Sweet Potato and Bacon Hash is no exception. Sweet potatoes are more than just beautiful; they’re packed with nutrients and offer a great source of fiber as well as vitamins A and C.

When combined with crispy, savory bacon, the not-too-sweet meat of a red bell pepper, and the mild, nearly sweet flavor of onion, the result is a hash that, in my mind, is pretty much perfect. I like to add a hint of smoked paprika for depth and to round out the dish with a touch of garlic, which, in my opinion, makes everything better.

Ingredients

Sweet potatoes are packed with fiber and beta-carotene, which give them natural sweetness.

Bacon: Delivers a delectable taste and packs in a protein punch.

A subtle sweetness and depth of flavor are provided by onions.

Red bell pepper: Introduces brilliant color and vitamin C.

Garlic: Enhances with a scent and flavor that is really, really strong.

Paprika, when smoked, brings a warm, smoky flavor that’s bold and makes a statement.

Olive oil: A fat that is healthy and improves texture.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a big frying pan, fry the bacon in pieces over medium heat until crisp. With a slotted spoon, lift the bacon out of the pan and let it drain on paper towels. Leave the fat in the pan.

2. If necessary, add olive oil to the skillet, then add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook over medium heat until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes aromatic.

4. The diced sweet potatoes should be added to the skillet, where they will be stirred into the oil and mixed with the other vegetables.

5. Over the sweet potatoes, sprinkle the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors.

6. Put a lid on the skillet and lower the heat to medium-low. Stirring now and then, let the sweet potatoes tenderize and cook through for a good 15-20 minutes.

7. Once the sweet potatoes are tender, take off the burner and turn the heat up to medium-high. Cook a few more minutes, allowing the sweet potatoes to crisp up a bit, and stirring frequently.

8. Put the cooked bacon back into the skillet and mix it into the hash to combine it evenly.

9. Sample the hash and season it further with salt and pepper as necessary.

10. If desired, before serving, you can garnish with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot, and enjoy this amazing sweet potato and bacon hash!

Equipment Needed

1. Large frying pan or skillet
2. Slotted spoon
3. Chef’s knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Lid for the skillet
8. Paper towels

FAQ

• Can I make this hash ahead of time?The sweet potatoes and bacon can be prepped and cooked beforehand. They only need to be reheated in a skillet before serving. They also benefit from just-in-time prep of the green onions and parsley.
• How do I store leftovers?Keep uneaten portions in a sealed container in the fridge for no longer than 3 days. To serve, reheat thoroughly on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Can I use turkey bacon instead?Indeed, turkey bacon can serve as a healthier option. However, keep in mind that it may not produce as much fat, so you might need to add a little extra olive oil to the skillet.
• What can I substitute for smoked paprika?Should you lack smoked paprika, it can be substituted with regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper, though the pronounced smoky flavor may not be as evident.
• Is this recipe gluten-free?This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure any optional ingredients or spices you use aren’t cross-contaminated.
• Can I make this vegetarian?Certainly! Just omit the bacon or substitute it with a vegetarian bacon alternative. You may need slightly more olive oil for cooking the vegetables.
• Can I add more vegetables to the hash?Certainly! You can also throw in some diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. If you do, just make sure to adjust the cooking times for the extra veggies.

Substitutions and Variations

Butternut squash, peeled and diced, can be used in place of sweet potatoes.
Turkey bacon or pancetta can be substituted for bacon.
Yellow or green bell peppers can be used as substitutes for red bell pepper.
You can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky kick.
You can substitute avocado oil or coconut oil for olive oil.