Looking for a breakfast that’s both hearty and nutritious? Sweet Potato Hash with Poached Eggs is the perfect dish to fuel your day. The savory sweet potato hash is packed with flavor, while the poached eggs add a creamy richness that makes every bite satisfying. This dish is not only filling but also provides a great balance of healthy carbs, protein, and vegetables.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a brunch gathering, this recipe is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and delicious flavors.
1. Why You’ll Love Sweet Potato Hash with Poached Eggs
Here’s why this dish is a winner:
- Hearty and Filling: The sweet potatoes provide a satisfying base that’s full of fiber, making this dish both filling and nutritious.
- Healthy and Flavorful: With minimal oil and a variety of veggies, this hash is light yet packed with flavor.
- Perfectly Balanced: The poached eggs add a creamy, protein-packed topping that complements the sweet and savory hash.
- Quick and Easy: You can make this dish in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick breakfast or brunch.
- Customizable: You can add other vegetables or even meats to personalize the hash to your taste.
2. Ingredients You’ll Need for Sweet Potato Hash with Poached Eggs
This recipe uses fresh, wholesome ingredients that work together beautifully:
For the Sweet Potato Hash:
- Sweet Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and diced
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (for cooking)
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Bell Pepper: 1, diced (any color)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Spinach or Kale: 2 cups (optional, for added greens)
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Ground Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
For the Poached Eggs:
- Eggs: 2 large (adjust based on servings)
- Vinegar: 1 teaspoon (for poaching)
- Water: For poaching
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or chives)
- Avocado slices
- Hot sauce or salsa
- Crumbled feta or cheese of choice
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Sweet Potato Hash with Poached Eggs
1. Cook the Sweet Potato Hash:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced sweet potatoes and cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and turn golden brown.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the sweet potatoes are cooked through.
- Add the garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes to allow the spices to bloom.
- If you’re using greens (spinach or kale), add them to the skillet and cook for another 1–2 minutes until wilted. Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
2. Poach the Eggs:
- Fill a small pot with water, about 2-3 inches deep, and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vinegar to the water (this helps the eggs hold their shape while poaching).
- Crack an egg into a small bowl or ramekin (to make it easier to slide into the water).
- Once the water is simmering (not boiling), gently slide the egg into the water. Repeat with the second egg. Cook the eggs for 3–4 minutes, depending on how runny you like your yolks.
- Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon and set them on a paper towel to drain.
3. Assemble the Dish:
- Divide the sweet potato hash between two plates.
- Gently place a poached egg on top of each serving of hash.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of cheese if desired.
- Optionally, drizzle with hot sauce or salsa for an extra kick of flavor.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately while the poached eggs are warm and runny. The rich yolk will add a creamy element to the hearty sweet potato hash.
4. Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Hash with Poached Eggs
- Use a Non-Stick Pan: For easy cooking and cleanup, a non-stick skillet is great for making the sweet potato hash without sticking.
- Test the Poached Eggs: If you’re new to poaching eggs, it may take a few tries to get the perfect runny yolk. The key is a gentle simmer and not a rolling boil.
- Customize the Hash: You can add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or tomatoes to the hash to suit your taste.
- Make it Ahead: You can prep the sweet potato hash the night before, then just reheat it in the morning and poach the eggs fresh.
- Control the Sweetness of the Potatoes: If you prefer your sweet potatoes to have more caramelization, cook them a little longer before adding the other vegetables.
5. Serving Ideas for Sweet Potato Hash with Poached Eggs
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but here are some ideas to round out the meal:
- Side Salad: Serve with a light green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the hash and eggs.
- Crispy Bacon or Sausage: Add some crispy bacon or sausage for a protein boost if you’re craving more flavor.
- Toast or Avocado Toast: Pair with a slice of toasted bread or avocado toast for extra crunch and creaminess.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad on the side can offer a sweet contrast to the savory hash.
6. Nutritional Benefits
This dish provides a range of nutritional benefits:
- High in Protein: Eggs provide high-quality protein, which is great for muscle repair and overall body function.
- Vitamins and Antioxidants: Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants that support immune health.
- Healthy Fats: Avocado (if used) and olive oil add healthy fats to help keep you full and satisfied.
- Fiber: The sweet potatoes, vegetables, and greens provide a good amount of fiber, which aids in digestion.
FAQs
- Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! You can swap the poached eggs with scrambled tofu or a plant-based egg alternative, and use a dairy-free butter or oil for cooking the vegetables. - Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can replace the sweet potatoes with regular potatoes. Just note that the flavor will be different, but still delicious. - Can I prep the hash ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the hash the night before, store it in the fridge, and simply reheat it in the morning. Then, poach the eggs fresh. - Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain the spinach before adding it to the hash. - How do I store leftovers?
Store the leftover sweet potato hash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Poached eggs are best fresh, so make them just before serving. - Can I use other greens in this recipe?
Yes, kale, chard, or even arugula are great alternatives to spinach. - Can I make the eggs ahead of time?
While poached eggs are best made fresh, you can cook them ahead of time and gently reheat them in warm water before serving. - How do I poach eggs perfectly?
Make sure the water is simmering, not boiling. Adding a little vinegar to the water helps the eggs hold their shape, and a slotted spoon makes it easy to remove them. - Can I add cheese to the hash?
Yes, adding cheese like cheddar, feta, or goat cheese to the hash adds creaminess and extra flavor. Just sprinkle it in while the hash is still hot. - What can I serve this with for a full meal?
This dish is great on its own, but you can add a side of avocado toast, roasted vegetables, or a fresh fruit salad for a complete meal.
Sweet Potato Hash with Poached Eggs is the perfect dish for a wholesome and flavorful breakfast or brunch. Packed with nutrients and full of satisfying flavors, it’s a delicious and healthy start to your day! Whether you’re enjoying it on a leisurely weekend morning or making it for a special gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit.