If you’re craving a vibrant, nourishing dish full of warmth and flavor, this Sweet Potato and Kale Hash Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together the naturally sweet and creamy texture of sweet potatoes with the hearty, slightly earthy crunch of kale. Toss in a hint of smoky chipotle and a drizzle of maple syrup, and you have a comforting medley that’s just bursting with color and personality. This hash is perfect for breakfast, as a side, or even a quick dinner, making it a versatile favorite you’ll return to time and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three separate containers on a white marbled surface. In the foreground, there is a clear glass bowl filled with finely chopped white onions, showing small, soft-focus cubes. To the left and further back, there is another clear glass bowl filled with orange carrot sticks, cut into uniform small sticks. On the right side, a silver metal colander holds several large, dark green curly kale leaves with a rough, crinkled texture. All containers rest on a white cloth with black stripes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Sweet Potato and Kale Hash Recipe lies in how simply these ingredients come together yet create such a layered and satisfying dish. Each element plays a vital role, from the sweet potatoes’ tender sweetness and the kale’s vibrant green texture to the smoky chipotle and the subtle hint of maple syrup that lifts everything up.

Sweet potatoes: Peeled and chopped, they provide a sweet, creamy base with a wonderful bite when sautéed.
Lacinato kale: Also known as dinosaur kale, its tender leaves add a pleasant earthy bitterness and a slight crunch when wilted just right.
Yellow onion: Diced and softened, it offers a gentle sweetness and depth to the overall flavor.
Maple syrup: Adds a natural sweetness that perfectly balances the smoky and savory elements of the hash.
Ground chipotle chili pepper: For a smoky heat that gives the dish a delightful kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Extra virgin olive oil: Perfect for sautéing, it contributes richness and helps in caramelizing the sweet potatoes beautifully.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that highlight and enhance all the natural flavors in the dish.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Sweet Potato and Kale Hash Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

Begin by heating your extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onions and sauté them gently until they become soft and translucent, which should take about three minutes. This step is key to developing a sweet, mellow base flavor that will elevate the entire hash.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

While your onions are cooking, place the peeled and chopped sweet potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl and cover them with a paper towel. Microwave them for 2 to 3 minutes until they become just fork tender. This pre-steaming shortcut ensures the sweet potatoes cook evenly and absorb flavors beautifully without turning mushy.

Step 3: Brown the Sweet Potatoes

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the sweet potatoes to the skillet with the onions. Season generously with salt and pepper. Sauté the potatoes, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until they are nicely browned on all sides, about five minutes. The caramelization here creates incredible depth and texture.

Step 4: Add Maple Syrup and Chipotle

Drizzle the maple syrup over the sweet potatoes and toss them to coat evenly. Let them sauté for an additional two minutes so that the syrup starts to glaze the cubes, adding a tempting sweetness. Then sprinkle in the ground chipotle chili pepper for a smoky heat that wakes up the dish.

Step 5: Wilt the Kale

Reduce the heat back down to medium and add the roughly chopped lacinato kale to the skillet. Season one more time with salt and pepper and stir well. Let the kale cook just until it wilts but still retains a bit of bite, roughly two minutes. This final step adds freshness and a beautiful green contrast to the hash.

How to Serve Sweet Potato and Kale Hash Recipe

The image shows a black cast iron pan filled with cooked kale and diced sweet potatoes. The kale leaves are dark green, wilted, and slightly shiny, while the sweet potato cubes are orange with a light brown char on their edges. The mixture is spread evenly across the pan, with the bright orange cubes contrasting well with the deep green leaves. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a black and white striped cloth partially visible underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This hash is fantastic on its own, but you can’t go wrong adding a sprinkle of toasted pepitas, a dollop of creamy avocado, or a sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can brighten every forkful too.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside perfectly cooked eggs—fried, poached, or scrambled—for a fulfilling breakfast or brunch. It also complements grilled tofu or tempeh beautifully for a light dinner, or even alongside roasted chicken or fish to round out a wholesome meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch gathering, pile this Sweet Potato and Kale Hash Recipe into individual cast-iron skillets for a charming rustic presentation. Or use it as a vibrant filling for breakfast burritos or wraps for portable, flavor-packed meals on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This hash stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep. The flavors develop even more after resting overnight.

Freezing

You can also freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain the best texture and taste.

Reheating

Reheat your Sweet Potato and Kale Hash Recipe gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave works perfectly for a speedy meal revival.

FAQs

Can I use other types of kale in this recipe?

Absolutely! While lacinato kale is preferred for its tender texture, curly kale or even baby kale can be swapped in—just adjust cooking time so the leaves wilt but don’t become tough.

Is it necessary to microwave the sweet potatoes before sautéing?

Pre-steaming the sweet potatoes in the microwave speeds up cooking and ensures an even tender texture, but if you skip this step, simply sauté the potatoes longer until fully cooked.

Can I make this recipe spicy or milder?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of ground chipotle chili pepper according to your spice preference or omit it altogether for a mild, sweet profile. Adding fresh chili flakes is another easy way to tweak heat levels.

What’s the best type of sweet potato to use?

Any sweet potato variety works well here, but the orange-fleshed types are especially sweet and creamy, which pairs beautifully with the smoky and savory flavors.

Is this Sweet Potato and Kale Hash Recipe vegan?

Yes, it’s entirely plant-based, making it perfect for vegans and anyone looking for a wholesome, meat-free side or breakfast option.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato and Kale Hash Recipe is a fantastic way to combine simple, healthy ingredients into a dish that feels both comforting and fresh. Its beautiful balance of sweet, smoky, and savory notes makes it a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up any day of the week. I promise once you try it, this hash will become one of your go-to favorites too.

Sweet Potato and Kale Hash Recipe

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A flavorful and nutritious Sweet Potato and Kale Hash made by sautéing tender sweet potatoes, onions, and hearty kale with a touch of maple syrup and smoky chipotle chili pepper, perfect as a delicious side dish for any meal.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4 as a side
Category: Side Dish
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Vegetables

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 bunch lacinato kale, ribs removed and roughly chopped
½ yellow onion, diced

Seasonings and Oil

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground chipotle chili pepper
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat the olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
Sauté the onions: Add the diced yellow onions to the skillet and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid browning.
Pre-steam the sweet potatoes: While onions cook, place the chopped sweet potatoes in a microwave-safe glass bowl, cover with a paper towel, and steam in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until just fork tender. This step is optional but recommended to ensure even cooking.
Brown the sweet potatoes: Increase the heat to medium-high, add the steamed sweet potatoes to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring often to ensure even browning without burning.
Add maple syrup and chipotle: Drizzle the sweet potatoes with maple syrup and toss to coat evenly. Continue to sauté for 2 more minutes to caramelize the syrup. Then sprinkle the chipotle chili pepper and sauté for an additional minute to infuse a smoky heat.
Cook the kale: Reduce the heat back to medium. Add the chopped kale to the skillet, season again with salt and pepper, and cook until the kale is just wilted, about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve warm: Once the kale is wilted and all ingredients are well combined, remove from heat and serve the hash warm as a delicious side dish.

Notes

Pre-steaming the sweet potatoes is optional but highly recommended to speed up cooking and ensure tenderness.
If you skip steaming, increase the sauté time for the sweet potatoes until they are fully cooked through.
Adjust the chipotle chili powder amount to control the heat level according to your taste preference.

Sweet Potato and Kale Hash Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need