Braised Sweet Potatoes Piri Piri Pecans (Printable)
Silky braised sweet potatoes finished with spicy, crunchy piri piri pecans for a vibrant warming side dish.
# What You 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 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
18 - Lemon wedges
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F.
02 - In a small bowl, toss 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 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 Advice:
01 -
- The contrast between meltingly tender potatoes and crunchy spicy pecans creates textures that keep every bite interesting
- It comes together easily but looks impressive enough for holiday tables or dinner parties
02 -
- The potatoes should be cut into uniform cubes so they cook evenly and finish at the same time
- Braising liquid reduces differently depending on your pan, so keep an eye near the end to prevent sticking
03 -
- Stir the pecans halfway through toasting to prevent burning and ensure even coverage
- Let the dish rest for five minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors settle