Type of Cuisine:
Middle Eastern
Prep Time: 20 minutes.
Total Time: 60 minutes
How Many Servings?
4-6 servings
Table of Contents
Sweet potatoes are a versatile and delicious vegetable that often don’t get the spotlight they deserve. Recently, during one of my late night experimentsin the kitchen, I found myself blending flavors and textures, resulting in a delightful Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole with Dates.
This dish began its journey with the simple act of peeling sweet potatoes. Layered with yams and complemented by autumnal ingredients like apples, this casserole is a tribute to the warm vibes of the season. The addition of cinnamon, orange zest, and walnuts further elevates the cozy feel. With each layer, the aroma gets richer, promising a meal you’d want to relish repeatedly.
Tips for The Best Sweet Potato and Dates Casserole:
- Seasonings – Season each layer of the sweet potato casserole with salt and pepper and a generous drizzle of olive oil.
- Olive Oil vs. Butter – While I’ve used olive oil to keep the layers moist during baking, butter is a suitable alternative for those who prefer its flavor.
- Baking Tips – To ensure even cooking, cover your dish with parchment paper, and weigh it down for the initial 45 minutes. Following this, remove the weight and bake uncovered for another 20 minutes.
- Bakeware – I find a heavy cast iron pan, compatible with a round tray, ideal for this casserole.
- Pan Size – A 10-inch round cake pan works wonders for this dish.
- Meal Prep – Perfect for meal prep, this vegan casserole can be made in advance and reheated or even enjoyed at room temperature.
How to Achieve Perfectly Even Cuts:
A sharp knife or a mandolin slicer is your best bet. These tools not only make the task easier but also ensure uniform thickness, leading to even cooking. Aim for ¼-inch thick slices of sweet potatoes or yams.
Serving the Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole:
Once baked to perfection, allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes. To serve, carefully invert it onto a larger plate. The final reveal showcases a stunning cake-like structure that’s not only pleasing to the eye but also bursting with flavors. This dish will make a fantastic addition to any brunch table. Pair it with dishes like ricotta malitzie pie, vegan dolma, hummus, and tabouleh salad for a complete Middle Eastern-inspired feast. Don’t forget the kibbeh and tzatziki sauce on the side for an added touch of authenticity and taste. Enjoy your meal!
Preparation
Drizzle some olive oil to coat the bottom of a round cake pan.
Next, arrange the dates in a circle on top of the onion slices.
Zest half the orange over the apple layer and squeeze some juice all around.
Create a layer of sweet potato slices, overlapping them in a circle.
Drizzle each layer with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
After 45 minutes, remove the weight and parchment paper. Continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are fully cooked and tender.
Garnish with chopped Italian parsley and serve warm or at room temperature.
This Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. Perfectly seasoned layers of sweet potato, dates, and fall fruits melded into a cake-like structure. It’s a dish that promises to impress and satisfy, whether for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Give it a try and savor the rich tapestry of flavors!
Type of Cuisine:
Middle Eastern
Prep Time: 20 minutes.
Total Time: 60 minutes
How Many Servings?
4-6 servings
Ingredients:
Adjust Servings
| 1/4 cup olive oil, plus additional for drizzling | |
| 1 large onion, thinly sliced into rounds | |
| 10 whole dates, pitted and split open | |
| 2 large apples, cored and thinly sliced into rounds | |
| ½ cup raw walnuts, coarsely chopped | |
| 1 Zest & juice of one orange | |
| 2 sweet potatoes, peeled, washed, drained, and thinly sliced (about ¼ inch) | |
| 2 yams, peeled, washed, drained, and thinly sliced (about ¼ inch) | |
| Salt and pepper to taste | |
| 1 teaspoon cinnamon | |
| Fresh Italian parsley, chopped for garnish |
Preparation
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