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Sweet Potato Unstuffing with Dried Cherries, Pecans, and Aromatic Herbs Recipe

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4.2 from 2 reviews

This Sweet Potato Unstuffing is a hearty and flavorful vegetable dish perfect for holiday gatherings or as a comforting side. It combines tender sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots, celery, mushrooms, onion, garlic, and apple, seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, then baked to perfection with the sweetness of dried cherries and the crunch of pecans. This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional stuffing using wholesome ingredients and simple preparation.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 0 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed (1 ½ to 2 cups, cut into ¼-½ inch cubes)
  • 1 1/2 cups halved or quartered Brussels sprouts
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped (3/4 to 1 cup)
  • 2 celery ribs, chopped (3/4 to 1 cup)
  • 8 oz. sliced mushrooms
  • ½ medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Fruit & Nuts

  • 1 medium apple, cored and diced
  • 1/2 cup dried cherries or cranberries, unsweetened if possible
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans

Herbs & Spices

  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary or sage (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Oils & Other

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or oil of choice

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the unstuffing.
  2. Combine ingredients: In a large baking dish (around 9×13 inches), add all the vegetables, apple, herbs, spices, and oil except for the dried cherries and pecans. Toss everything together well to coat evenly with the oil and seasonings. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  3. Initial baking: Bake the covered dish in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This helps the vegetables start softening without drying out.
  4. Add cherries and pecans: Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle the dried cherries and chopped pecans over the mixture, gently toss to combine these with the cooked vegetables, then return the dish to the oven uncovered.
  5. Finish baking: Bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and cooked through, and the top is lightly browned.
  6. Serve: Remove the unstuffing from the oven and serve warm as a delicious side dish that's perfect for festive meals or comforting everyday dinners.

Notes

  • You can substitute dried cranberries if you prefer a less tart flavor.
  • Use your favorite oil if avocado oil is not available; olive oil works well.
  • For a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the dish.
  • If you want a softer texture, you can cover the dish again for the last 10 minutes of baking.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten free and vegetarian.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free