Golden Sweet Potato and Spinach Hash

Discover the ultimate one-pan meal that’s as vibrant as it is delicious: a colorful Spinach & Sweet Potato Hash. This incredibly flavorful dish is loaded with wholesome ingredients like red bell pepper, red onion, and tender baby spinach, creating a nutrient-packed foundation. Crowned with perfectly cooked eggs, all prepared right in the same pan, it’s a simple yet profoundly satisfying choice for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe promises ease, flavor, and minimal cleanup.

There’s nothing quite like a hearty hash to start your day or round out an evening, and this Spinach & Sweet Potato Hash delivers on all fronts. It’s an ideal recipe for those moments when you want to use up fresh vegetables lurking in your fridge or simply crave a wholesome, balanced meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. What makes this dish truly special is its incredible simplicity and speed—it comes together quickly with just one pan, minimizing post-meal cleanup. The secret to its success lies in keeping the sweet potato cubes small and even. This ensures they cook thoroughly, achieve that desirable fork-tender texture, and develop delightfully crispy, browned edges that add a rich depth to every bite. Infused with a bold, smoky flavor from smoked paprika, this hash is a fresh and filling option you’ll turn to again and again.

I find myself reaching for this Spinach & Sweet Potato Hash recipe particularly often for weekend brunch. It strikes a perfect balance between the heartiness of a full meal and the lightness you desire in a mid-morning feast. It’s substantial enough to keep you feeling full and energized, yet fresh and wholesome. The best part? Many components can be prepped the night before, making assembly and cooking a breeze when you’re ready to eat. Imagine waking up, and all you have to do is toss your pre-chopped ingredients into a pan. It’s truly a game-changer for stress-free entertaining or a relaxed family meal.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Hash

This Spinach & Sweet Potato Hash isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that brings together a medley of flavors and textures in a single, convenient pan. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:

• Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Spinach adds iron and vitamins, while bell peppers contribute vitamin C and vibrant color. Eggs provide high-quality protein, making this a truly wholesome dish.
• One-Pan Wonder: Say goodbye to mountains of dirty dishes! This entire meal, from sautéing the vegetables to cooking the eggs, is prepared in one pan, ensuring minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment.
• Quick & Easy Preparation: With a total time of just 30 minutes, this hash is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend mornings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Its straightforward steps make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile & Customizable: This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand, add different proteins, or experiment with various spices to create your unique twist. It’s an excellent way to clear out your fridge.
• Delicious & Satisfying: The combination of tender, slightly sweet potatoes with savory onions, crisp bell peppers, and smoky paprika creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting. The perfectly cooked eggs complete the meal, offering a satisfying texture and richness.
• Perfect for Any Meal: While often considered a breakfast or brunch item, this hash is hearty enough for a light dinner. Its balanced nutrition makes it suitable for any time of day you’re craving something warm and delicious.

The Wholesome Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting this flavorful hash requires a selection of fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Sweet Potatoes: Opt for two small sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into even ½-inch cubes. Uniform sizing is crucial for even cooking and achieving those irresistible crispy edges. If you’re looking for a shortcut, many grocery stores offer pre-cubed sweet potatoes in their produce section. Sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins C and B6.
• Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil is essential for sautéing the vegetables, providing a healthy fat base and enhancing the overall flavor.
• Red Onion: One cup of diced red onion adds a sharp, sweet, and pungent flavor that beautifully complements the sweetness of the potatoes. While red onion is preferred for its color and slightly milder taste when cooked, you can substitute with sweet onion or even brown (yellow) onions if necessary. The goal is to have a robust onion flavor to balance the dish.
• Red Bell Pepper: Half a cup of diced red bell pepper brings a vibrant color, a hint of sweetness, and a lovely crunch to the hash. Feel free to use green bell peppers or any other color you have on hand; each will lend a slightly different flavor profile. Bell peppers are packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Fresh Baby Spinach: Two cups of fresh baby spinach wilt down quickly and effortlessly integrate into the hash, adding a boost of nutrients without overpowering the other flavors. Baby spinach is preferred over mature spinach as it’s more tender and cooks faster. It’s rich in iron, Vitamin K, and Vitamin A.
• Smoked Paprika: This is a star ingredient, delivering a bold, smoky depth that elevates the entire dish. If you enjoy a touch of heat, try spicy smoked paprika for an extra kick. It’s truly one of my favorite spices for adding complexity!
• Eggs: Two large eggs are typically used, cracked directly into the hash. Any size eggs will work, and you can easily adjust the number based on how many servings you need. Eggs provide an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste, bringing all the flavors together and enhancing the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
• Chopped Parsley or Green Onion: An optional but highly recommended garnish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions adds a burst of freshness, color, and a final aromatic touch, brightening up the dish before serving.

How To Make Spinach and Sweet Potato Hash: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious and healthy hash is simpler than you might think. Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfect results every time:

1. Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly peeling your sweet potatoes. Once peeled, dice them into small, uniform ½-inch cubes. The key to a great hash is consistent sizing, which ensures all the potatoes cook evenly and achieve that desirable crispy exterior. Setting them aside temporarily allows you to focus on the other aromatics.
2. Dice the Aromatics: Next, dice your red onion and red bell pepper. For efficiency and perfectly uniform pieces, I highly recommend using a vegetable chopper with grid inserts. This tool significantly speeds up prep time and ensures clean, consistent cuts without extra effort.
3. Heat the Pan and Cook Sweet Potatoes: For optimal caramelization and even heat distribution, reach for a sturdy carbon steel plancha or a cast iron skillet. Heat your chosen pan over medium heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil shimmers and is hot, spread the diced sweet potatoes in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 10 to 12 minutes. This initial phase is crucial for browning and developing flavor. Stir them occasionally to ensure even cooking and achieve those crispy, golden-brown edges. If you notice they are browning too quickly, slightly reduce the heat. The goal is for them to be fork-tender with a beautiful crust.
4. Add Onion and Bell Pepper: Once your sweet potatoes are tender and golden, stir in the diced red onion. Continue to cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant, releasing its sweet aroma into the hash. Then, add the diced red bell pepper along with a generous handful of packed fresh baby spinach. Allow everything to cook for just 1 to 2 minutes more, just until the spinach wilts down completely.
5. Season and Combine: Now it’s time to season! Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Gently toss all the vegetables together to ensure they are thoroughly coated with the delicious seasonings. This step truly builds the deep, smoky flavor profile of the hash.
6. Cook the Eggs: To integrate the eggs into your hash, carefully push the cooked vegetable mixture to one side of the pan, creating a clear space for your eggs. Crack the eggs directly onto the hot surface. For perfectly cooked eggs without the need for flipping, I highly recommend using a clear silicone domed egg lid. This lid creates steam, helping the eggs cook evenly from top to bottom, and its transparency allows you to monitor their progress precisely.
7. Achieve Your Desired Yolk: Let the eggs cook for 3 to 4 minutes. For beautifully jammy, slightly runny yolks, aim for closer to three minutes. If you prefer a firmer, fully set yolk, extend the cooking time to around five minutes, or until they reach your desired consistency.
8. Serve and Garnish: Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, use a slotted offset turner to carefully lift and plate the hash and eggs. This tool is perfect as it slides easily underneath without breaking the delicate yolks and allows any excess oil to drain away. Finish your colorful hash with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a bright, fresh garnish that adds both flavor and visual appeal.

Chef Jenn’s Expert Tips for a Flawless Hash

Elevate your Spinach & Sweet Potato Hash with these professional insights and clever tricks:

• Embrace Cast Iron: For the absolute best results, cook your hash in a cast iron skillet. Its superior heat retention and even heat distribution are unmatched, ensuring that your sweet potatoes develop that incredible golden crust and cook uniformly without burning. This pan also helps distribute the smoky flavor beautifully.
• The Magic of a Transparent Lid: When cooking the eggs, a transparent lid with a vent is your best friend. It allows you to visually monitor the eggs as they steam-cook, preventing overcooking and ensuring your yolks are done precisely to your preference, all without the need to lift the lid and lose valuable steam.
• Smart Spatula Choice: A good quality silicone fish spatula is indispensable for this recipe. Its thin, flexible edge slides effortlessly under the hash and, more importantly, under delicate fried eggs without sticking, tearing, or breaking them. This ensures beautiful plating every time.
• Scaling for Servings: If you’re feeding a crowd or simply love extra eggs, feel free to double the amount. Just make sure to create enough distinct wells in the cooked hash mixture to accommodate each egg comfortably, allowing them space to cook evenly without running into each other.
• Uniform Dicing is Key: While mentioned in the instructions, it bears repeating: uniform ½-inch cubes for your sweet potatoes are crucial. Inconsistent sizes lead to some pieces being burnt while others remain raw. Take your time with this step for perfect results.
• Don’t Rush the Potatoes: Patience is a virtue, especially when browning sweet potatoes. Resist the urge to constantly stir them. Allowing them to sit undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring helps them develop that desirable crispy crust.
• Customize Your Heat: While smoked paprika offers a lovely warmth, if you prefer more spice, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can be added with the other seasonings.

Variations & Customizations

This Spinach & Sweet Potato Hash is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ideas to inspire your culinary creativity and make the dish truly your own:

• Add More Veggies: Incorporate other quick-cooking vegetables like diced zucchini, chopped kale, mushrooms, or even corn kernels for added texture and nutrients. Add them with the bell peppers or spinach, adjusting cook times as needed.
• Boost the Protein: For an even more substantial meal, consider adding cooked protein. Crumbled breakfast sausage, diced ham, leftover shredded chicken, or plant-based sausage crumbles would be excellent additions. Add pre-cooked meats during the last few minutes of cooking the hash, just to warm through.
• Cheesy Goodness: A sprinkle of your favorite cheese can transform this hash. Sharp cheddar, crumbled feta, or a creamy goat cheese would melt beautifully into the warm hash, adding a rich, tangy dimension. Add cheese just before serving or right after the eggs are cooked, letting it melt slightly under the lid.
• Herb & Spice Explorations: Beyond parsley and green onions, fresh cilantro or chives can offer a different aromatic finish. Experiment with other spices like a pinch of cumin, a dash of chili powder, or even a touch of dried oregano for varying flavor profiles.
• Make it Spicy: If you love heat, don’t stop at spicy smoked paprika! A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce mixed into the hash, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, will give it an extra kick.
• Garlic Lover’s Dream: Mince a couple of cloves of garlic and add them to the pan with the red onion for an aromatic foundation. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Make It A Meal: Perfect Pairings

While delicious on its own, this Spinach & Sweet Potato Hash can be beautifully complemented to create a more complete and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas for perfect pairings:

• Classic Toast: Serve alongside warm, crusty sourdough toast or a slice of your favorite whole-grain bread to sop up the delicious flavors and runny yolks.
• Creamy Additions: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream adds a refreshing tang and creamy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the savory hash.
• Avocado Love: Sliced or mashed avocado on the side, or fanned over the hash, provides a healthy fat boost and a silky texture that pairs perfectly.
• A Hint of Heat: A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce, from sriracha to a smoky chipotle, will add an exciting kick and enhance the overall flavor.
• Extra Protein: Pair with a breakfast sausage link, crispy bacon, or a side of black beans for an even more protein-rich meal.
• Fresh Salad: For a light dinner, serve alongside a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing to add freshness and crunch.
• Fruit Power: A side of fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced oranges, can add a refreshing sweetness to balance the savory hash.

Meal Prepping & Storage Tips

This Spinach & Sweet Potato Hash is fantastic for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy a quick and healthy meal even on your busiest days. Here’s how to store leftovers and reheat them effectively:

• Ingredient Prep Ahead: To save time, you can peel and dice the sweet potatoes, red onion, and red bell pepper a day or two in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This cuts down on active cooking time significantly.
• Storing Leftovers: Any leftover hash (without the eggs, for best quality) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating the Hash: To reheat, warm the hash in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, though the skillet method will yield a better texture, bringing back some of those crispy edges.
• Eggs are Best Fresh: For the best results and taste, it is highly recommended to cook fresh eggs just before serving the reheated hash. Reheating cooked eggs often results in a rubbery texture that diminishes the overall enjoyment of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can! If using frozen diced sweet potatoes, you don’t need to peel them. Just add them to the pan as directed, but be aware that they might release more water and take a bit longer to brown. Ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking for the best crispy texture.

What if I don’t have baby spinach?

If you don’t have baby spinach, you can use regular mature spinach. However, you might need to chop it roughly and cook it for an extra minute or two to ensure it wilts down completely. Kale is also a good substitute, but it will require a longer cooking time (around 5-7 minutes) to tenderize.

Can I make this hash vegan?

Absolutely! To make this hash vegan, simply omit the eggs. You could replace them with scrambled tofu for added protein, or serve it as a hearty side dish. Nutritional yeast can be added for a cheesy flavor, and avocado can provide healthy fats.

How can I prevent the hash from sticking to the pan?

Using enough olive oil is crucial. Also, ensure your pan is properly preheated before adding the sweet potatoes. If using a carbon steel or cast iron pan, ensure it’s well-seasoned. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to allow for proper browning and to prevent steaming.

Can I prepare the sweet potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can peel and dice the sweet potatoes up to a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container submerged in water in the refrigerator to prevent browning. Drain and pat them very dry before cooking to ensure they crisp up nicely.

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Spinach and Sweet Potato Hash

Spinach and Sweet Potato Hash is a colorful, nutrient-packed dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. Tender sweet potatoes, sautéed onions, and fresh spinach come together in one skillet for a flavorful and satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: healthy egg hash, one pan breakfast, sweet potato hash, vegetarian skillet

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 358 kcal

Author: Chef Jenn

Equipment

• vegetable chopper with grid inserts
• carbon steel plancha
• clear silicone domed egg lid
• slotted offset turner

Ingredients

• 2 small sweet potatoes (about 4 cups, diced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup red onion (diced)
• ½ cup red bell pepper (diced)
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 large eggs
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)
• parsley or green onion, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into ½-inch cubes.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet or carbon steel plancha over medium heat. Add the sweet potatoes and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fork-tender and lightly browned.
3. Add the red onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Stir in the red bell pepper and spinach. Cook for 1–2 minutes until spinach wilts. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, tossing gently to coat.
5. Push the hash mixture to one side of the pan to create space. Crack the eggs directly into the clear space.
6. Cover the pan with a lid (preferably clear and domed) and cook for 3–4 minutes until the whites are set and the yolks are done to your liking (3 minutes for jammy, 5 for firm).
7. Serve immediately, topped with chopped parsley or green onion for garnish.

Notes

Chef Jenn’s Tips

• Use a cast iron skillet for even heat and that golden crust on the sweet potatoes.
• A transparent lid with a vent is perfect for watching your eggs without lifting the lid.
• A silicone fish spatula slides easily under the hash and eggs without sticking or breaking anything.
• You can double the eggs if you’re feeding more — just create little wells in the hash and drop them in.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 serving
| Calories: 358 kcal
| Carbohydrates: 38 g
| Protein: 11 g
| Fat: 19 g
| Saturated Fat: 4 g
| Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g
| Monounsaturated Fat: 12 g
| Trans Fat: 0.02 g
| Cholesterol: 186 mg
| Sodium: 172 mg
| Potassium: 893 mg
| Fiber: 7 g
| Sugar: 11 g
| Vitamin A: 23187 IU
| Vitamin C: 65 mg
| Calcium: 120 mg
| Iron: 3 mg

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.

Recommended Recipes for Sweet Potato Lovers

I hope this comprehensive guide has inspired you to try this delightful Spinach & Sweet Potato Hash. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to enjoy a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that truly satisfies. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant breakfast, a fulfilling brunch, or a light yet hearty dinner, this one-pan wonder checks all the boxes. Remember, the beauty of cooking lies in its flexibility, so feel free to experiment with the ingredients and seasonings to suit your personal taste. Happy cooking!