Make Ahead

Spicy Sweet Potato-Coconut Gratin

November 16, 2010
5
1 Ratings
  • Serves 4-6
Author Notes

This recipe is inspired by a Bobby Flay recipe that I had been wanting to try, but which called for heavy cream. I love the substitution of coconut not only for it's health benefits, but for the sweet creaminess that it adds to this dish. The sweetness of the potatoes, the creaminess of the coconut milk, and the spiciness of the chipotles and cinnamon come together to create a nicely-balanced, easy to prepare side dish. —JenCereghino

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Ingredients
  • 4 Yams or Sweet Potatoes
  • 2 cups Canned Coconut Milk (regular)
  • 1 Chipotle in Adobo
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • Sea Salt
  • Black Pepper
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice sweet potatoes into 1/8" thick rounds.
  3. Add one chipotle pepper, 1 tbls. of adobo sauce, 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, and coconut milk to a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth.
  4. In a 10 x 10 x 2-inch casserole, arrange the potatoes in an even layer on the bottom of the casserole, drizzle with 3 tablespoons of the coconut milk mixture and season with salt and pepper. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, coconut milk, and salt and pepper to form 8-10 layers. Press down on the layers to totally submerge in the coconut mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cinnamon. Gratin can be covered and refrigerated, for up to two days, until ready to bake.
  5. Cover and bake for 30 minutes, remove cover and continue baking for 30-45 minutes, or until the coconut milk has been absorbed and the potatoes are cooked through and the top is browned.
  6. Remove from oven and cover. Let set for 10 minutes. Slice and serve.

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1 Review

SoilLady February 24, 2020
I did not have an ancho chili handy so I used a chili powder I like and tasted the coconut milk as I went. it came out great! I also skipped the blending (extra dishes?) and just mixed the spices into the coconut milk with a spatula. I just dumped the whole thing over the potato slices, rather than sprinkling a few tablespoons at a time, since they all get submerged at the end anyway. Basically my version:
Mix coconut milk with chili powder to taste and add a heaping 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Pour over 4 sliced sweet potatoes, sprinkle with a bit more cinnamon, bake forever (until your kitchen smells awesome). Boom.
Great, simple after-work recipe!