Braised Sweet Potatoes With Piri Piri Pecans (Printable)
Tender braised sweet potatoes finished with spicy, crunchy pecans for a vibrant warming side dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Sweet Potatoes
01 - 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 - ½ tsp ground cumin
07 - ½ tsp salt
08 - ¼ tsp black pepper
09 - 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
10 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
11 - 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
→ Piri Piri Pecans
12 - ¾ cup pecan halves
13 - 1 tbsp olive oil
14 - 1 tsp piri piri seasoning (or substitute ½ tsp chili flakes + ½ tsp smoked paprika)
15 - ½ tsp sea salt
16 - ½ tsp brown sugar
→ Garnish
17 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)
18 - Lemon wedges (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F.
02 - In a small bowl, toss the pecans with olive oil, piri piri seasoning, salt, and brown sugar until well coated. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 8–10 minutes, stirring halfway, until fragrant and lightly toasted. Set aside.
03 - In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin; cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
04 - Add sweet potatoes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat. Pour in vegetable broth, apple cider vinegar, and honey.
05 - Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender and beginning to break down. Uncover and simmer for an additional 5–10 minutes to thicken the sauce as desired.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning. Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with piri piri pecans, and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The braising technique transforms sweet potatoes into something that melts in your mouth while still holding their shape
- Those spicy piri piri pecans add the most incredible crunch that keeps every bite interesting
- It comes together with mostly pantry staples but tastes like something from a fancy restaurant
02 -
- Don't rush the braising step. Those sweet potatoes need time to break down slightly and create that silky sauce that makes this dish special.
- The pecans can go from perfectly toasted to burnt quickly, so set a timer and check them at the 8 minute mark.
03 -
- If you can't find piri piri seasoning, make your own by mixing equal parts cayenne, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of sugar.
- Resist the urge to stir too frequently once the sweet potatoes start braising. You want them to develop those lovely soft edges that thicken the sauce.