Paleo Easy Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Paleo Easy Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is perfect for Thanksgiving Whole30vegan friendly and glutengrainDairySugar free
Paleo Easy Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping is perfect for Thanksgiving Whole30vegan friendly and glutengrainDairySugar free
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup raw pecans
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- pinch of pepper
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1 lb sweet potatoes
- 1 lb apples of choice ((i used fuji))
- 2 tbsp ghee, (at room temperature (the consistency of so
- 1/2 cup halved deglet noor dates (tightly packed (100g))
- 1 tbsp ghee (at room temperature (or vegan butter))
- Carbohydrate 26.0366505544579 g
- Cholesterol 4.19026165314237 mg
- Fat 20.6993039849245 g
- Fiber 7.12636098874959 g
- Protein 3.32356802484422 g
- Saturated Fat 10.0001271167564 g
- Serving Size 1 1 People, as a side (153g)
- Sodium 266.564046140115 mg
- Sugar 18.9102895657083 g
- Trans Fat 1.18953061630398 g
- Calories 288 calories
Step-by-step
- Peel the sweet potatoes and apples, and remove the cores from the apples.
- Chop them all into large chunks and place into a large pot.
- Cover with about 1 inch of water, adding a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil on medium/high heat and cook until very soft and tender, about 30-35 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain well and place into a large bowl.
- Additionally, heat your oven to 350 degrees and rub a casserole dish with ghee (I used an 11x8.5 inch oval)
- Add all the ingredients, except for the coconut flour, into the bowl and mash until well combined but leaving a little bit of the apple chunky for texture.
- Finally, stir in the coconut flour.
- Spread into the prepared casserole dish.
- In a small food processor (mine is 3 cups) combine the pecans and dates, pulsing until broken down and crumbly.
- Pour the mixture into a small bowl and mix together with the remaining ghee.
- Sprinkle the date/pecan mixture evenly over top of the casserole.
- Bake until the casserole feels set, about 45 mins-1 hour, depending on the size of your casserole dish.
- Turn your oven to HIGH broil and broil for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the dates are crispy.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes and DEVOUR!
My Thanksgiving Tradition: A Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole Journey
Thanksgiving. The word itself conjures up images of warmth, family, and of course, a table laden with delicious food. For years, my Thanksgiving centerpiece was a classic sweet potato casserole—rich, creamy, and oh-so-indulgent. But as my awareness of healthier eating grew, I began to question the ingredients in my beloved dish. The refined sugar, the processed elements, they just didn't align with my evolving values. That's when I embarked on a quest—a quest to create a healthier, yet equally delicious, sweet potato casserole that would still capture the essence of this cherished holiday tradition.
My journey wasn't about deprivation, it was about mindful transformation. I wanted to keep the heart of the dish, the comforting warmth, the delightful sweetness of the sweet potatoes, and that signature pecan topping. But I craved a version free from refined sugars, gluten, grains, dairy, and anything artificial. It was a challenge, but the reward? A lighter, fresher casserole that felt as good as it tasted. And the best part? My family couldn't tell the difference! They devoured it with the same enthusiasm they always had.
This paleo sweet potato casserole recipe is the result of my culinary experiment. It's surprisingly easy to make, requiring ingredients that are readily available. The sweet potatoes themselves become the star of the show, their natural sweetness shining through without any added sugars. The apples add a delightful counterpoint and a pleasing texture, while the pecan topping provides the perfect crunch. The warm spices — cinnamon and nutmeg — round out the flavors, creating a beautifully harmonious taste experience.
I use ghee instead of butter for its rich flavor and health benefits. Ghee is clarified butter, meaning it has had the milk solids and water removed, making it a suitable choice for those following a Paleo lifestyle. And for the sweetness that my tastebuds craved, I turned to Medjool dates, which not only provide natural sweetness but also incredible moisture and that luxurious texture.
More than just a dish, this recipe is a symbol of my commitment to making healthier choices. It shows that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or tradition. It's proof that you can enjoy the classic Thanksgiving experience while nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients. It's about finding that balance between comfort food indulgence and the well-being you deserve.
This Thanksgiving, as I gather around the table with my loved ones, sharing laughter, stories, and gratitude, I will do so with a heart full of happiness, knowing that the food we share is not just delicious, but also reflects our commitment to mindful eating and a healthier, more vibrant life. My Paleo sweet potato casserole isn't just a dish; it’s a testament to the joyful possibilities of transforming tradition into a celebration of healthy living.
I encourage you to try this recipe. Let me know how it turns out! Happy Thanksgiving!
