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Coconut-Lime Sweet Potatoes

Coconut-Lime Sweet Potatoes

By Dimitri DemopolousOctober 17, 2023

  • Makes
    4 to 6 servings
  • Cook Time
    30 minutes
  • Rating

The idea for this recipe came from Peruvian ceviche, which often is served with a side of boiled sweet potato. We skip the fish and let the potato take center stage, seasoning it like ceviche with lime, red onion, chilies and cilantro, plus coconut milk for richness. No stovetop cooking is needed; to streamline prep, the sweet potatoes are steamed in the microwave. Be sure to toss them with the dressing while warm so they absorb all the flavors. If you like, garnish with crushed corn nuts, a nod to the toasted, salted Andean corn kernels known as canchitas that often are sprinkled over ceviche.

Ingredients
  • 1

    teaspoon grated lime zest, plus ¼ cup lime juice

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

  • ¼

    medium red onion, thinly sliced

  • 2

    Fresno ORserrano chilies, stemmed, seeded and sliced into thin half rings

  • 2

    pounds orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¾- to 1-inch chunks

  • ¼

    cup coconut milk

  • ¼

    cup lightly packed fresh cilantro, roughly chopped, plus more to serve

Step 1

In a small bowl, whisk together the lime zest and juice and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir in the onion and chilies; let stand for about 15 minutes.

Step 2

Meanwhile, in a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the sweet potatoes and 3 tablespoons water. Cover and microwave on high until a skewer inserted into the largest piece meets no resistance, about 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Immediately drain the sweet potatoes in a colander and return the potatoes to the bowl.

Step 3

To the warm potatoes, add the onion-chili mixture and any liquid, the coconut milk and cilantro; toss gently. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature or cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour. Sprinkle with additional cilantro just before serving.

Step 4

Optional garnish: Crushed corn nuts OR chopped roasted peanuts

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