Possum And Sweet Potatoes
A hearty Southern dish featuring tender short ribs or possum paired with sweet baked potatoes, accented with a touch of sugar for a comforting, savory-sweet flavor combination.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. possum or 2 lb. short ribs
- 5 or 6 baked sweet potatoes ⓘ
- sugar
Instructions
- Boil the short ribs or possum until tender.
- Wash and bake the sweet potatoes in a 350°F oven for about 1 hour until soft.
- Peel the skins off the sweet potatoes and place them in a baking dish with the cooked meat.
- Sprinkle a small amount of sugar on the sweet potatoes and add about a cup of broth to the dish.
- Bake the dish in a 300°F oven until heated through and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of the dish, consider marinating the possum or short ribs in spices overnight before boiling. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can substitute the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Additionally, feel free to add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potatoes for extra warmth. For a refreshing contrast, serve it alongside a crisp Red Cabbage Slaw.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or a light salad for balance. For a complete meal, consider serving it with some steamed green beans or a side of Jamaican Festival to complement the flavors. A dollop of Three Berry Compote on the side can add a refreshing touch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 300°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Possum And Sweet Potatoes contains roughly 118 calories, with 3g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other meats instead of possum?
Yes, you can substitute possum with other meats like chicken or beef if desired. Just adjust cooking times accordingly. Short ribs are a great alternative as they also become tender with slow cooking. Make sure to keep the flavors balanced by using similar seasonings.
What can I do with leftover sweet potatoes?
Leftover sweet potatoes can be mashed and used in various ways. Consider making sweet potato pancakes or adding them to soups for added creaminess. They can also be incorporated into vegan recipes for a nutritious boost.
How do I know when the meat is tender enough?
The meat is tender enough when it easily pulls apart with a fork. For possum, this can take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of boiling. If using short ribs, check them after 1 hour and continue to boil until fork-tender.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).