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Ultimate Savory Jamaican Sweet Potato Bliss Recipe

Savory Jamaican Sweet Potato Bliss - featured image

A quick and easy skillet dish featuring caramelized sweet potatoes in a creamy coconut milk sauce infused with jerk seasoning and Scotch bonnet pepper. Perfect as a main or side dish, this savory-sweet recipe is packed with bold Caribbean flavors and ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 600g / 1.3 lbs total), peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
  • 1 can (400ml / 13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 medium yellow onion (about 150g / 5 oz), diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper (or habanero)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or avocado/coconut oil)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (sea salt or kosher), or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Instructions

  1. Prep the sweet potatoes: Peel and dice into even 1-inch cubes (about 4 cups).
  2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle jerk seasoning over the onions and garlic. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to toast the spices.
  5. Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet. Toss to coat in the spiced onion mixture. Spread into an even layer and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until bottoms are golden brown and caramelized.
  6. Pour in the coconut milk, then add the fresh thyme sprigs and whole Scotch bonnet pepper. Stir gently to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 15-18 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until sweet potatoes are fork-tender and sauce has thickened slightly. If sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
  8. Remove the thyme sprigs and Scotch bonnet pepper carefully. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in fresh lime juice.
  9. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature.

Notes

For extra crispy edges, uncover the skillet during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or coconut milk. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: savory sweet potato, Jamaican sweet potato, jerk sweet potato, coconut milk sweet potato, Caribbean sweet potato, vegan sweet potato, gluten-free sweet potato