Braised Purple Sweet Potato with Sesame Recipe

Braised purple sweet potato with white sesame is a rustic yet appealing dish, featuring the sweet, earthy flavor of sweet potato blended with the rich nuttiness of white sesame. It’s an ideal snack for chilly days or a side dish for family meals.

1. Ingredients You’ll Need

To make braised purple sweet potato with white sesame, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Purple sweet potatoes: 500g (choose fresh, firm tubers with deep purple flesh)
• White sesame seeds: 50g
• White sugar: 100g (adjust to your taste)
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Cooking oil: 2 tablespoons
• Vegetarian fish sauce: 1 tablespoon (if making a vegetarian dish)
• Water: 100ml

Ingredients for braised purple sweet potato with sesame

Notes:

• Select purple sweet potatoes that are bright in color, firm, and free from pests or hollow spots.
• Choose uniform white sesame seeds, free from mold or any strange odors.
• If you like it spicy, you can add a pinch of chili powder for extra flavor.

2. Preparing the Ingredients

Purple Sweet Potatoes:

• Peel, wash, and cut the sweet potatoes into cubes approximately 2-3cm in size.
• Soak the potatoes in lightly salted water for about 15 minutes to prevent browning and remove excess starch.
• Afterwards, drain them well.

White Sesame Seeds:

• Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over low heat until golden brown and fragrant. Stir constantly to prevent burning.

Caramel Color:

• To make the dish visually appealing, you can caramelize some sugar to create a natural coloring.

Preparing purple sweet potatoes and toasting sesame seeds

3. Steps to Make Braised Purple Sweet Potato with Sesame

Step 1: Lightly Fry the Sweet Potato

• Heat cooking oil in a pan.
• Lightly fry the sweet potato cubes until their surfaces turn slightly golden. This helps the potatoes hold their shape during braising.
• Remove the potatoes and let them drain excess oil.

Step 2: Mix the Braising Sauce

• In a small bowl, combine the sugar, salt, vegetarian fish sauce (if using), and water. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Step 3: Braise the Sweet Potato

• Place the lightly fried sweet potatoes back into the pan.
• Pour the braising sauce over the potatoes, ensuring the liquid nearly covers them.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir gently occasionally to ensure the potatoes absorb the seasoning evenly.

Step 4: Finish

• Once the sauce has thickened, sprinkle the toasted white sesame seeds over the potatoes.
• Stir gently to coat the potatoes evenly with sesame seeds.
• Turn off the heat and serve the braised purple sweet potato with white sesame while hot.

Finished dish of braised purple sweet potato with white sesame seeds

Quick Tips:

• Add a splash of coconut milk for extra richness.
• Increase the amount of sugar if you prefer a sweeter taste.
• Store the dish in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days.

4. Tips for Perfect Braised Purple Sweet Potato with Sesame

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Ensure the purple sweet potatoes are firm, heavy for their size, free from blemishes, and have a deep purple color.
• Toast Sesame Seeds Properly: Toast over low heat, stirring constantly, to ensure they are evenly golden and fragrant without burning.
• Simmer Gently: Braising over low heat allows the potatoes to cook through evenly and absorb the flavors without falling apart.
• Adjust Seasoning: The amount of sugar can be modified according to personal preference.

5. Nutritional Value of Purple Sweet Potatoes

Purple sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Some key benefits include:

• Vitamin A: Good for vision and the immune system.
• Vitamin C: Boosts resistance.
• Potassium: Helps stabilize blood pressure.
• Dietary Fiber: Improves digestion.
• Anthocyanins: Powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage.

“Purple sweet potatoes are an excellent source of nutrients, particularly rich in fiber and antioxidants. This braised purple sweet potato with sesame dish is both delicious and offers numerous health benefits.” – Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Nutrition Expert at the National Institute of Nutrition.

6. Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment by adding other ingredients to enrich the dish:

• Coconut Milk: Enhances the creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Roasted Peanuts: Adds a pleasant crunch and nutty taste.
• Sliced Ginger: Introduces a warm aroma and helps balance the sweetness.

7. Serving Suggestions

This dish can be enjoyed as a snack or served as a side dish with hot steamed rice. It is particularly comforting on cool days.

8. How to Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat using a microwave or gently on the stovetop before serving. Consume within a maximum of 1-2 days.

Conclusion

Now you have the detailed recipe to make delicious and nutritious braised purple sweet potato with white sesame right at home. With easily accessible ingredients and simple steps, this dish is perfect for treating your family and friends. Give it a try and share your results with “Recipe Handbook”!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Is braised purple sweet potato with white sesame vegetarian?
  • Yes, it is vegetarian if you use vegetarian fish sauce or omit it.
• How do I prevent the purple sweet potatoes from getting mushy during braising?
  • Lightly frying the potatoes beforehand and simmering them gently over low heat helps maintain their texture.
• Is braised purple sweet potato with white sesame healthy?
  • Yes, it is quite healthy as purple sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• How long can I store braised purple sweet potato with white sesame?
  • It can be stored in the refrigerator for about 1-2 days.
• Can I substitute brown sugar for white sugar?
  • Yes, using brown sugar will impart a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

Hope this article is helpful! Don’t forget to follow “Recipe Handbook” to discover more delicious and nutritious recipes.