| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 107 | 4.83g | 0.69g | 11.23g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6.37g | 3.65g | 3.53g | 0.43g |
I’ve always had an affinity for the flavors that transport me back to my grandmother’s Italian kitchen, and my love for Italian-American cuisine is deeply ingrained. However, my culinary canvas isn’t monochromatic. Enter Sweet Potato Leaves with Garlic and Sambal, a vegetable-based recipe that is a wonderful detour from my usual fare. Just the thought of the sweet and tender sweet potato leaves simmered with pungent garlic and fiery sambal oelek instantly piques my curiosity.
A Journey Through Diverse Culinary Lands
This recipe takes me out of my familiar Italian-American kitchen into the vibrant and spicy world of Indonesian cuisine. Sambal oelek, a traditional Indonesian chili paste, is the star ingredient in this recipe and brings an exciting heat to the dish. Its punchy heat combined with the sweetness of the sweet potato leaves creates a rhythm of flavors that dance on your palate in the most delightful way.
Health Benefits and Complementary Dishes
Not only is Sweet Potato Leaves with Garlic and Sambal flavorful, it’s healthful too. Sweet potato leaves are a great source of antioxidants, dietary fiber and important minerals like potassium. They also contain vitamin B, beta-carotene, iron, calcium, zinc, and protein.
Given its savory and bold flavors, this dish goes particularly well with a side of steamed jasmine rice or a piece of grilled chicken. If you’re leaning more towards Italian cuisine, you might find this dish to be a refreshing change from a typical side of sautéed greens. And believe me, this unexpected twist will leave your guests asking you for the recipe!
Whether it’s asphalt trails or culinary journeys, as a grandfather and an avid hiker, I’ve come to appreciate the unbeaten paths. Exploring different flavors, such as this Indonesian recipe, reminds me that food transcends borders and serves as a universal language that connects us all.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs sweet potato leaves
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
- 1/2 cup sambal oelek (Indonesian chili paste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1/2 cup of vegetable broth
Method
Step One
Start by prepping your sweet potato leaves. Wash and rinse them thoroughly under cool water then set them aside to dry.
Step Two
In a large pan, heat the 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant.
Step Three
Next, add the sambal oelek to the pan and stir it together with the garlic. Continue to stir and cook this mix for about a minute, allowing the flavors to combine.
Step Four
Add the sweet potato leaves into the pan. Stir them into the garlic and sambal mix, ensuring that the leaves are fully coated. Keep stirring for about two minutes or until the leaves start to wilt.
Step Five
To the wilted leaves, add your 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Stir everything together, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step Six
Now, pour in the 1/2 cup of vegetable broth and let it come to a simmer. Cover your pan and let the leaves steam in the broth for about 10 minutes. Check occasionally and stir to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.
Step Seven
After 10 minutes, your sweet potato leaves should be tender and the broth almost fully absorbed. Take off the heat and serve the dish hot.
Step Eight
Enjoy this flavourful dish of Sweet Potato Leaves with Garlic and Sambal, served over warm rice or as a great accompaniment to grilled dishes.
