Discovering the Magic of Sweet Potato Noodles
My Favorite is Sweet Potato Garlic Kale Noodles and The first time I tried sweet potato noodles, I was curious but a little unsure. I’d always loved pasta, but the idea of using sweet potatoes as noodles seemed like a big change. One evening, I decided to give it a go, and I’m so glad I did! As I spiralized the vibrant orange sweet potatoes, I felt like I was creating something special. They looked so fun and colorful, and I couldn’t wait to see how they would turn out in the pan.
The Aroma of Garlic and Kale
As I heated the olive oil and added the sliced garlic, the kitchen was instantly filled with a comforting, warm aroma. There’s something about the smell of garlic sizzling in olive oil that always makes me feel excited to eat. When I added the kale, it wilted down beautifully, mixing with the sweet potato noodles in a way that made the whole dish look like a celebration of healthy, vibrant ingredients. The colors of the orange noodles and dark green kale were striking, and I knew I was in for a treat.
A Perfect Balance of Flavors
One of the things I love most about this dish is the balance of flavors. The sweetness of the noodles pairs perfectly with the slight bitterness of the kale. The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, while the fresh basil and dollops of pesto bring everything together with their herby freshness. Every bite felt light yet satisfying, and the toasted pine nuts on top gave a little crunch that made it even more enjoyable.
A Go-To Healthy Meal
Now, Sweet Potato Garlic Kale Noodles have become one of my go-to meals when I want something quick, healthy, and delicious. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a light lunch. The best part is how easy it is to make, with just a handful of ingredients that come together in less than half an hour. I love experimenting with different toppings, like adding roasted tomatoes or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast when I’m in the mood for something vegan. It’s a dish that never disappoints!
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Sweet Potato Garlic Kale Noodles
- Always choose firm sweet potatoes for spiralizing. Softer or older sweet potatoes can be mushy and harder to spiralize.
- Garlic can burn easily, so cook it over medium heat and be ready to lower the temperature if it starts browning too quickly. Golden garlic adds a rich, nutty flavor without bitterness.
- If you don’t have a spiralizer, a julienne peeler works too, but spiralizers make the process quicker and more consistent. A food processor with a spiralizing attachment is another great option.
- Sweet potato noodles cook faster than regular pasta. You want them “al dente” (firm but tender). Cooking them too long can result in mushy noodles. Taste test frequently during the final few minutes of cooking.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. You can also add more right before serving for an extra kick.
- Add the pesto just before serving, so the freshness and flavor of the basil stand out. Overcooking pesto can dull its vibrant flavor.
- For a vegan version, swap pecorino cheese with nutritional yeast. It adds a nutty, cheesy flavor while keeping the dish dairy-free.
- If you’re feeling creative, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted cherry tomatoes for more texture and flavor.
Sweet Potato Garlic Kale Noodles
Dive into the delightful world of Sweet Potato Garlic Kale Noodles! This vibrant dish is a twist on traditional pasta, using spiralized sweet potatoes for a nutritious and gluten-free alternative. Packed with flavors from garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy yet satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a light lunch, it’s a dish that will impress your taste buds and keep you coming back for more!
4
plates15
minutes10
minutes250
kcal25
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes
2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and spiralized
- Cooking Oil
1 to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Garlic
3 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- Spices
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
sea salt to taste
black pepper to taste
- Liquid
2 to 3 tablespoons water
- Greens
4 cups baby kale or thinly sliced lacinato kale
- Toppings
1/3 cup fresh basil leaves sliced
Dollops of pesto (use basil instead of kale in the pesto)
2 tablespoons hemp seeds or toasted pine nuts
Grated pecorino cheese (optional)
Directions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes – Peel the sweet potatoes and cut off the tips. Use a spiralizer to create noodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer, a julienne peeler can work but is more challenging.
- Cook Garlic – Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook until golden brown (about 5 minutes). Adjust the heat if the oil bubbles too much to avoid burning the garlic.
- Season and Cook Noodles – Add sea salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper to the pan. Toss in the sweet potato noodles to coat them in the seasoned oil. Cook for about 2 minutes while gently tossing.
- Serve and Garnish – Transfer the noodles to serving plates. Top with fresh basil slices, dollops of pesto, hemp seeds or toasted pine nuts, and optional grated pecorino cheese.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- Nonstick Pan
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Potassium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 4g
- Vitamin A: 200IU
- Vitamin C: 60mg
- Calcium: 10mg
- Iron: 8mg
FAQ-Sweet Potato Garlic Kale Noodles
Can I use other vegetables besides sweet potatoes?
Yes! You can substitute sweet potatoes with butternut squash, zucchini, or even carrot noodles for a different texture and flavor profile.
How can I make this dish fully vegan?
To make this dish vegan, simply replace the pecorino cheese with nutritional yeast or omit the cheese entirely. You can also double the pesto for a richer, more savory flavor.
What if I don’t have a spiralizer?
If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a julienne peeler or a sharp knife to cut the sweet potatoes into thin strips. Though this will take more time, it still works well.
Can I meal prep this dish?
While you can prep the ingredients ahead of time, it’s best to cook the sweet potato noodles fresh, as they can become mushy if stored after cooking. However, you can spiralize the sweet potatoes a day ahead and keep them in water in the fridge to stay fresh.
What can I serve with Sweet Potato Garlic Kale Noodles?
This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or a light green salad. For a vegetarian option, consider adding a fried egg or baked tofu for added protein.
