Sweet Potato and Bell Pepper Hash
A colorful, hearty skillet hash with caramelized sweet potatoes and sweet bell peppers. This one-pan wonder delivers crispy edges and tender centers, finished with a gentle warmth from smoked paprika. Perfect as a hearty breakfast side or a light dinner on its own, ready in about 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prep the vegetables.
1.Peel the sweet potatoes and dice into 1/2-inch cubes.2.Seed the bell peppers and dice into 1/2-inch pieces.3.Dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves.TIPKeep the sweet potato cubes uniform so they cook evenly. - fry · ~9 min
Sear the sweet potatoes.
1.Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.2.Add diced sweet potatoes in a single layer and season with half the salt.3.Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crisp.4.Stir and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes.TIPDon't overcrowd the pan — the sweet potatoes need contact with the hot surface to develop a crispy crust. - saute · ~4 min
Add the aromatics and peppers.
1.Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.2.Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin powder.3.Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. - steam · ~9 min
Steam to tender perfection.
1.Add the diced bell peppers, remaining salt, and 3 tablespoons of water to the skillet.2.Stir everything together and cover with a lid.3.Reduce heat to medium and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.4.Remove the lid and cook for 1-2 more minutes to evaporate any remaining moisture.TIPThe steam softens the sweet potatoes while keeping the peppers vibrant and sweet. - garnish
Finish and serve.
1.Season with a pinch of black pepper and toss gently.2.Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.3.Serve hot.TIPFor extra richness, top with a fried egg or crumbled feta cheese.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Cut sweet potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness.
- 2Do not stir the sweet potatoes too early; let them develop a deep golden crust before flipping.
- 3Use a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is ideal) to maintain steady heat for better browning.
- 4Add the water and cover to steam the sweet potatoes; this ensures tender interiors without burning.
- 5For extra smoky depth, toast the smoked paprika in the oil for a few seconds before adding the vegetables.
- 6Make this hash ahead: prep all veggies the night before and store in the fridge for a quicker morning cook.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein-packed
Add 200g of cooked black beans or crumbled chorizo in step 3 for a heartier meal that works as a lunch or dinner main.
spicy kickSpicy kick
Add one seeded and diced jalapeño along with the bell peppers for heat, or sprinkle with red pepper flakes at the end.
veganVegan
The recipe is already vegan — skip the optional egg or feta topping, or replace it with avocado slices or a dollop of cashew cream.
low FODMAPLow-FODMAP
Swap the onion for the green tops of a leek and use garlic-infused oil instead of whole garlic cloves for a gentler digestive version.
sweet savory twistSweet-savory twist
Toss in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or balsamic vinegar along with the water in step 4 for a glazed, slightly sweet finish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin A
Sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A for healthy vision and immune function.
Antioxidant Power
Bell peppers, especially red and orange ones, provide high levels of vitamin C and various antioxidants that protect cells from damage.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil is a source of monounsaturated fats, which support cardiovascular health when used in place of saturated fats.
High in Fiber
Sweet potatoes and bell peppers both contribute dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and sustained energy.
Anti-Inflammatory Spices
Smoked paprika and cumin are rich in compounds that have been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but regular potatoes will require a longer cooking time and will not have the same natural sweetness or creamy texture.
