Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe with Jaggery & Garam Masala

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe With Jaggery & Garam Masala

Introduction

Okay, let’s be real. Sweet potato casserole is comfort food defined. But I wanted to give this classic a little twist, something that felt a bit more… us. So, I started playing around with spices I love from my kitchen – a touch of garam masala, a generous pinch of cinnamon, and the warm sweetness of jaggery. The result? A sweet potato casserole that’s familiar, yet wonderfully unique. It’s become a staple at our family gatherings, and I’m so excited to share it with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average sweet potato casserole. We’re swapping refined sugar for the beautiful, unrefined sweetness of jaggery (gur), and adding a hint of warming garam masala. It’s a flavour combination that just works, creating a dish that’s both comforting and subtly exotic. Plus, the toasted pecans and gooey marshmallows? Pure heaven.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this sweet potato dream a reality:

• 2 pounds (approximately 900g) sweet potatoes
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (approximately 120g) jaggery (gur), grated
• ¼ cup (60ml) whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (approximately 120g) chopped pecans
• 2 cups mini marshmallows

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few tips to make sure everything comes together perfectly:

Sweet Potatoes: Choosing the Right Variety

Honestly, any sweet potato will work, but I prefer the orange-fleshed varieties like Beauregard or Garnet. They have a naturally sweeter flavour and a smoother texture when mashed.

Jaggery (Gur): A Traditional Sweetener & Its Benefits

Jaggery is unrefined cane sugar, and it’s a staple in Indian cooking. It has a lovely caramel-like flavour and a slightly molasses-y depth. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with packed brown sugar, but jaggery really does add something special.

Garam Masala: The Spice Blend & Regional Variations

Garam masala isn’t a single spice, but a blend! Every family has their own version, but it generally includes cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, coriander, and black pepper. Feel free to use your favourite brand, or even make your own!

Pecans: Toasting for Enhanced Flavor

Trust me on this one – toasting the pecans makes a huge difference. It brings out their natural oils and gives them a richer, nuttier flavour. Just pop them in a dry pan for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

Mini Marshmallows: Options & Substitutions

I love the look of mini marshmallows, but you can definitely use regular-sized ones if that’s what you have. For a slightly healthier twist, you could even try a sprinkle of shredded coconut instead!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, peel and cube your sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces. Steam them in a pot with just enough water to cover until they’re fork-tender – about 10 minutes.
2. Once they’re cooked, drain the sweet potatoes really well and mash them using a potato ricer. This gives you the smoothest texture, but a regular masher works too!
3. Now for the good stuff! In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with the softened butter, grated jaggery, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, garam masala, and salt.
4. Blend everything together until it’s beautifully smooth and creamy. Stir in ¾ cup of the chopped pecans.
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish (around 8×8 inches) and pour in the sweet potato mixture.
6. Sprinkle the remaining pecans and the mini marshmallows evenly over the top.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and bubbly. If you want that extra-charred marshmallow look, you can use a kitchen torch to lightly toast them!
8. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the sweet potatoes! You want them tender, but not falling apart.
• Make sure your butter is softened, not melted. This will help it blend into the sweet potato mixture more easily.
• For a smoother casserole, pass the mashed sweet potatoes through a ricer or food mill.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Swap the butter for vegan butter, the milk for plant-based milk (almond or soy work well), and the eggs for flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg). Use vegan marshmallows, too! My friend, Priya, swears by this version.

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Casserole

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your garam masala blend doesn’t contain any hidden gluten.

Adjusting the Spice Level

If you’re not a huge fan of spice, you can reduce the amount of garam masala to ½ tsp. Or, if you like things a little more fiery, add a pinch of cayenne pepper!

Festival Adaptations (Thanksgiving, Christmas)

This casserole is perfect for any holiday feast! It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or even a vegetarian nut roast.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm, and maybe with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s also delicious on its own!

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

FAQs

What is the best way to mash sweet potatoes for this casserole?

A potato ricer is ideal for the smoothest texture, but a regular masher works just fine! Just make sure to get rid of any lumps.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Add the marshmallows just before baking.

What can I substitute for jaggery in this recipe?

Packed brown sugar is the closest substitute, but it won’t have quite the same depth of flavour. You could also try maple syrup, but reduce the amount of milk slightly.

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios would be delicious.

How can I achieve a perfectly browned marshmallow topping?

Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes of baking. If the marshmallows are browning too quickly, lower the oven temperature slightly. Or, use a kitchen torch for a more controlled char.

Is Garam Masala essential to the flavor profile?

Not essential, but it really adds a lovely warmth and complexity. If you don’t have it, you can omit it, but I highly recommend giving it a try!