Kerriepatat
Curried Sweet Potatoes
A comforting and flavorful South African side dish, Kerriepatat features tender sweet potatoes simmered in a sweet and spiced curry butter sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Sweet potatoes
- 50 g Butter
- 2 tbsp Curry powder(Use a mild or medium curry powder, depending on your spice preference.)
- 3 tbsp Brown sugar(Light or dark brown sugar can be used.)
- 1/4 cup Water(Optional, to help create a sauce if needed.)
- to taste Salt(Optional, to enhance flavors.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the sweet potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into uniform 2-3 cm cubes. This ensures even cooking.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Melt the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly foamy, add the curry powder and brown sugar.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 3
Stir the curry powder and brown sugar into the melted butter. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the curry powder.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 4
Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the pot. Stir well to coat each piece evenly with the curry-sugar-butter mixture.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Add about 1/4 cup of water to the pot (optional, but helps create a sauce and prevents sticking). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 20-25 minutes.
⏱️ 20-25 minutes - 6
Stir the sweet potatoes occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Cook until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, but not falling apart.
⏱️ Ongoing during step 5 - 7
Once tender, remove the lid. If there is excess liquid, increase the heat slightly to medium-low and cook uncovered for a few more minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce has thickened slightly and coats the potatoes.
⏱️ 3-5 minutes - 8
Taste and season with salt if desired. Serve hot.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother consistency, mash some of the sweet potatoes against the side of the pot with a spoon or fork after cooking.
- ✓Kerriepatat is an excellent side dish for braais (barbecues), roasts, or curries.
- ✓This dish is a classic comfort food, perfect for any occasion.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Increase the amount of curry powder for a spicier kick.
- Add a handful of raisins or sultanas during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a touch of sweetness and chewiness.
- Stir in a tablespoon of lemon or lime juice at the end for a brighter flavor.