Pear Spinach Sweet Potato Casserole
- 1 large sweet potato (1¼ pounds)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 jalapeño pepper, ribs and seeds removed, minced
- ½ small white onion, minced
- 8 ounces baby spinach, roughly chopped
- salt
- 2 medium pears, peeled and thinly sliced
- Heat the oven to 400ºF. Prick the sweet potato a few times with a fork. Roast for 1-1¼ hours, until the skin feels loose and the potato feels soft. Remove and reduce the oven heat to 350ºF.
- Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Add the jalapeño and onion. Cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the spinach and a couple pinches of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the spinach is wilted, 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
- Grease an 8×8-inch casserole dish. Arrange the pears in a layer in the bottom of the dish.
- When the sweet potato is cool enough to handle, remove the skin. Mash in a medium bowl with remaining oil and a couple pinches of salt.
- Spread the spinach in a even layer over the pears, then spread the sweet potato in an even layer on top of the spinach. Gently press a fork into the potatoes to make ridges. Bake for 30 minutes.
Serves 4-6
I didn’t think about it till I had already finished the recipe, but it would be nice to switch the oven to broil for a few minutes after the casserole has baked to crisp up the top.
I used a mandolin to slice my pears to 1/8-inch thickness. The slices do tend to fall apart, especially if you have a very ripe, soft pear. As you can see from the photo, I just piled it all in.
This recipe is being shared in Meat Free Mondays, Allergy Free Wednesday, and Gluten Free Fridays.
I’m always intrigued and inspired by your flavor combos, Kalinda. This casserole looks delicious!
Shirley
Ooh this is such an unusual combination, I love the sound of it! And anything with sweet potato mash is a winner for me :)
pear and sweet potato sound like a tasty and unique combo! yum!