pin it
Silky whipped sweet potatoes infused with umami-rich miso and nutty tahini create the perfect base for crispy spiced beans and charred broccolini. Each bowl offers layers of texture and flavor, from creamy to crispy, sweet to savory, making every bite a delicious adventure.
After discovering how miso and tahini could elevate simple sweet potatoes, I knew I had to create a complete meal around them. The addition of crispy beans and charred vegetables turns this into a restaurant-worthy dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home.
Essential Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes: Choose firm, unblemished potatoes of similar size for even cooking
- White miso: Adds savory depth without overpowering the sweet potatoes
- Tahini: Look for smooth, runny tahini without separation
- Broccolini: Select bright green stalks with tight florets
- Cannellini beans: Their creamy texture complements the dish perfectly
Instructions Guide
- 1. Perfect the Sweet Potatoes
- Start by roasting sweet potatoes until completely tender - a knife should slide in effortlessly. This develops their natural sweetness and ensures smooth mashing.
- 2. Create the Base
- Combine warm potatoes with miso, tahini, and a touch of maple syrup. Whip until silky smooth, tasting and adjusting seasonings as needed. The mixture should be creamy but still hold its shape.
- 3. Prepare the Beans
- Season cannellini beans with warming spices, then cook until they develop a slight crust. This contrast in textures makes each bite more interesting.
- 4. Char the Broccolini
- Cook broccolini in a hot pan until lightly charred but still crisp-tender. The slight bitterness balances the sweet potato base perfectly.
- 5. Build Your Bowl
- Layer components thoughtfully, starting with the whipped sweet potatoes and ending with crispy nuts and fresh herbs.
pin it
Working as a private chef, I discovered that the key to elevating comfort food lies in balancing textures and flavors. This bowl combines creamy, crispy, and crunchy elements with sweet, savory, and umami notes to create something truly memorable.
Make-Ahead Success
Prepare components separately up to three days ahead. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently before assembly. The sweet potato base may need a splash of liquid when reheating to restore its creamy texture.
Seasonal Adaptations
Transform this bowl throughout the year by incorporating different vegetables. Try roasted Brussels sprouts in fall, asparagus in spring, or charred corn in summer.
Creative Variations
Feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have, replace sweet potatoes with butternut squash or regular potatoes for a different base flavor, try different beans like chickpeas or butter beans to mix up the texture and protein, experiment with various nuts and seeds for the topping, such as sunflower seeds, pecans, or almonds, to add your preferred crunch,
Bowl Building Guide
Start with a generous base of whipped sweet potatoes, creating a well in the center. Add spiced beans and vegetables in separate sections, then drizzle with extra sauce and sprinkle with toasted nuts.
What began as a simple sweet potato dish has evolved into a complete meal that satisfies on every level. Whether served for a savory breakfast or hearty dinner, these bowls prove that plant-based eating can be both nourishing and exciting.
pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make components ahead of time?
- Yes! The sweet potato mash and spiced pecans can be made ahead. Reheat gently and cook vegetables fresh for best results.
- → What can I substitute for miso paste?
- While miso adds unique umami, you can use extra salt and a splash of soy sauce or coconut aminos instead.
- → Can I use regular broccoli?
- Yes, regular broccoli works fine - just cut it into smaller florets and adjust cooking time accordingly.
- → Is there a nut-free option?
- You can substitute the pecans with roasted pumpkin seeds or crispy chickpeas for crunch.
- → Can I meal prep this?
- Most components keep well for 3-4 days. Store elements separately and assemble when ready to eat.