If you are craving a delightful dish that bursts with warmth, richness, and tropical flair, your search ends here with the Baked Jamaican Sweet Potatoes with Coconut Milk and Spices Recipe. This recipe combines the naturally sweet and creamy texture of Jamaican sweet potatoes with the luscious creaminess of coconut milk and a harmony of aromatic spices. It’s an irresistible side or comforting treat that brings the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean right into your kitchen with every tender, caramelized bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a key role in crafting the full-bodied taste, smooth texture, and inviting aroma of these baked sweet potatoes. From the buttery richness to the delicate spices, every component is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the magic of this dish.
- Jamaican sweet potatoes: The star of the recipe, their natural sweetness and creamy flesh make for a perfect base.
- Unsalted butter: Adds smooth richness and helps create a velvety texture.
- Brown sugar: Deep molasses notes that amplify the natural sweetness with a subtle caramel flavor.
- Coconut milk: Brings tropical creaminess that balances sweetness and spices beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, sweet-spicy essence that complements the potatoes perfectly.
- Ground nutmeg: Delivers a gentle nutty warmth that lifts the overall flavor.
- Allspice: Provides a complex, aromatic spice that ties all the seasoning together.
- Vanilla extract: A touch of sweet floral notes for depth and a hint of sophistication.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance every flavor and balance sweetness.
How to Make Baked Jamaican Sweet Potatoes with Coconut Milk and Spices Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important because you want the oven ready to create the perfect caramelized crust at the end.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Place your peeled and chopped Jamaican sweet potatoes into a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat to gently soften the potatoes.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender
Lower the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let the sweet potatoes simmer for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork easily pierces through their tender flesh.
Step 4: Drain and Mash
Drain the water and transfer the sweet potatoes back to the pot. Using a masher or fork, mash them until they’re smooth and creamy—no lumps here!
Step 5: Make the Coconut Milk Spice Mixture
In a small saucepan, gently melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Stir in the brown sugar, coconut milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until everything is combined and the sugar fully dissolves, creating a rich, aromatic sauce.
Step 6: Combine and Bake
Pour the coconut milk and spice mixture over the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix it thoroughly until the potatoes are luxuriously creamy and infused with those tropical spices. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the dish in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes. During baking, the edges will develop a beautiful golden caramelization while the inside stays tender and moist—pure deliciousness!
Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve
Once baked, allow your creation to cool for a few minutes. This rest helps the flavors settle, making it the perfect time to gather friends and family to enjoy this tropical comfort food treat together.
How to Serve Baked Jamaican Sweet Potatoes with Coconut Milk and Spices Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little toasted coconut flakes or chopped toasted pecans on top for some delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavor. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few fresh mint leaves can also brighten the presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with jerk chicken or grilled fish to balance the sweetness with smoky, savory elements. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside sautéed greens like callaloo or steamed broccoli to add color and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive table, serve the baked sweet potatoes in individual ramekins or hollowed-out sweet potato shells for a rustic charm. You can also transform leftovers into sweet potato pancakes by mixing with an egg and lightly frying—an inventive twist that keeps the spice notes alive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked Jamaican sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Covering the dish securely helps keep the flavors fresh and prevents any drying out.
Freezing
To freeze, let the dish cool completely and transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. These sweet potatoes freeze beautifully and can last up to 3 months while maintaining their creamy texture and rich flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave covered on medium power while stirring occasionally to ensure even warming without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use regular sweet potatoes instead of Jamaican sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! While Jamaican sweet potatoes have their unique color and slightly different flavor profile, regular sweet potatoes will also create a delicious dish with this recipe’s spices and coconut milk.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
To make it vegan, simply substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative, and you’re all set to enjoy the parfait combination of textures and flavors.
Can I use canned coconut milk, or should I use fresh?
Canned coconut milk works perfectly and is actually preferred for its creamy consistency that helps create the luscious texture, while fresh coconut milk can be more watery and may alter the dish.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe focuses on warm aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice rather than heat. It’s mild, fragrant, and sweet but not spicy-hot, making it approachable for all tastes.
Can I prepare the mashed sweet potatoes and coconut milk mixture ahead of baking?
Yes! You can prepare the mashed sweet potatoes and mix them with the coconut milk-spice sauce ahead of time, then store covered in the fridge. When ready to serve, bake as usual to achieve that perfect caramelized topping.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough that you try out this Baked Jamaican Sweet Potatoes with Coconut Milk and Spices Recipe if you want to infuse your meal with exotic flavors, creamy textures, and a bit of Caribbean sunshine. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug and always brings smiles around the table. Happy baking and even happier tasting!
Print
Baked Jamaican Sweet Potatoes with Coconut Milk and Spices Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Description
A comforting and flavorful Jamaican Sweet Potato recipe featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes blended with warm spices, brown sugar, and coconut milk, then baked to golden perfection. This dish combines traditional Caribbean flavors with a rich, creamy texture that makes a perfect side or dessert.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 lbs Jamaican sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
Flavorings and Mix-ins
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the sweet potato mixture later.
- Boil Sweet Potatoes: Place the peeled and chopped sweet potatoes in a large pot. Add water to cover them completely and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Until Tender: Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and simmer the sweet potatoes for 15-20 minutes or until you can easily pierce them with a fork, indicating they are tender.
- Drain Water: Carefully drain the water from the pot and transfer the sweet potatoes back into the pot to prepare for mashing.
- Mash Sweet Potatoes: Using a potato masher or fork, mash the sweet potatoes until you achieve a smooth consistency without lumps.
- Prepare Flavor Mixture: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add brown sugar, coconut milk, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Mixture with Sweet Potatoes: Pour the warm coconut milk and spice mixture over the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish and transfer the sweet potato mixture into it. Use a spatula to smooth the surface evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and slightly caramelized.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Notes
- Jamaican sweet potatoes refer to a variety of sweet potatoes commonly used in Caribbean cooking, often orange or purple-fleshed.
- Adjust the brown sugar quantity to taste if a less sweet dish is preferred.
- Using coconut milk adds richness and a subtle tropical flavor typical in Jamaican cuisine.
- Ensure to grease the baking dish well to avoid sticking and easy serving.
- This recipe can be served as a dessert or a side dish alongside savory meals.
