Sweet Potatoes In Sherry Sauce
Sweet potatoes in a rich sherry sauce combine caramelized brown sugar, raisins, and walnuts, making a flavorful side perfect for festive dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange the drained sweet potatoes in a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle lightly with salt.
- In a saucepan, mix brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Blend in orange juice and add raisins.
- Cook and stir over high heat until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Mix in sherry, chopped walnuts, and orange peel.
- Pour the sauce over the potatoes.
- Bake uncovered in a 350°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the potatoes are well heated.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sauce. If you don't have sherry, a splash of white wine or apple cider vinegar can work as a substitute. You can also use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned, just be sure to cook them until tender before adding to the casserole. This dish pairs beautifully with Rosy Apple Pie for dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sweet potatoes as a delightful side dish for holiday meals or family gatherings. They complement roasted meats like turkey or ham beautifully. For a complete meal, pair them with a light salad, such as Sour Cherry Salad, to balance the sweetness. You could also serve them alongside a grain dish for added texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the oven will keep the texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Potatoes In Sherry Sauce contains roughly 960 calories, with 11g protein, 151g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1817mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
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 fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh sweet potatoes! Just peel and chop them into cubes, then boil or steam until tender before proceeding with the recipe. This can enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes, this dish can easily be made vegan by omitting the sherry or replacing it with a vegan-friendly option, such as a splash of apple cider or additional orange juice. Ensure that the sugar you use is vegan as well, as some sugars are processed with bone char.
How can I adjust the sweetness to my taste?
You can adjust the sweetness by reducing the amount of brown sugar or replacing it with a sugar substitute like maple syrup or agave nectar. Taste the sauce as you go to find your perfect balance, especially if you are using a sweeter orange juice.
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).