Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole with Dates

Sweet potatoes are a versatile and delicious vegetable that often don’t get the spotlight they deserve. Recently, during one of my late-night experiments in the kitchen, I blended flavors and textures, resulting in a delightful casserole with dates in a vegan sweet pot.

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. Adding cinnamon, orange zest, and walnuts further elevates the cozy feel. The aroma gets richer with each layer, promising a meal you’d want to relish repeatedly.

Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole: Ingredients

• Olive Oil: The dish’s foundation, olive oil, imparts a rich and savory base, enhancing the overall depth of flavors. Drizzling additional olive oil adds a luxurious touch to the finished casserole.
• Onion: Sliced into delicate rounds, the large onion adds a subtle sweetness and savory undertone, creating layers of flavor within the casserole.
• Dates: Whole dates, pitted and split open, introduce natural sweetness, infusing a delightful caramelized flavor to the dish. They contribute a nuanced sweetness that complements the savory elements.
• Apples: Cored and thinly sliced, the large apples provide a burst of fruity sweetness, adding complexity and freshness to the casserole.
• Walnuts: Coarsely chopped raw walnuts bring a satisfying crunch and nutty essence, providing a delightful contrast in texture to the softness of the sweet potatoes and yams.
• Orange Zest and Juice: The zest and juice of one orange offer a bright and citrusy lift, enhancing the overall vibrancy of the casserole. This citrus infusion adds a refreshing note to balance the sweetness.
• Sweet Potatoes and Yams: Thinly sliced and meticulously layered, sweet potatoes and yams form the heart of the casserole, providing a velvety texture and sweet, earthy flavor.
• Salt, Pepper, and Cinnamon: The trio of seasonings – salt, pepper, and cinnamon – harmonize the diverse flavors in the casserole. Salt enhances the natural sweetness, pepper adds a gentle warmth, and cinnamon brings a hint of spice, creating a well-balanced profile.
• Fresh Italian Parsley:
• Chopped for garnish, fresh Italian parsley adds a final touch of herbaceous brightness, completing the dish with a burst of freshness.

Tips for The Best Sweet Potato and Dates Casserole:

1. Seasonings – Season each layer of the sweet potato casserole with salt and pepper and a generous drizzle of olive oil.
2. 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.
3. Baking Tips – Cover your dish with parchment paper to ensure even cooking, and weigh it down for the initial 45 minutes. Following this, remove the weight and bake uncovered for another 20 minutes.
4. Bakeware – I found a heavy cast iron pan, compatible with a round tray, ideal for this casserole.
5. Pan Size – A 10-inch round cake pan works wonders for this dish.
6. Meal Prep – Perfect for meal prep, this vegan casserole can be made in advance and reheated or even enjoyed at room temperature.
7. Even Cuts: Your best bet is a sharp knife or mandolin slicer. These tools make the task easier and 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 pleasing to the eye and bursting with flavors. This dish will make a fantastic addition to any brunch table. Pair it with dishes like ricotta peas 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!