Sweet Potato Miso Bread: A Flavorful Twist

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A Harmony of East and West

Golden-brown and fragrant, this isn’t your ordinary sweet potato bread. It’s a soulful fusion of Japanese umami and comforting American baking, elevated by a secret ingredient: earthy, fermented miso paste. The result? A loaf that’s both familiar and extraordinary, with a depth of flavor that will surprise and delight.

Ingredients:

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon white miso paste
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame)

    • Preparation:

    1. Prep the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the sweet potato cubes with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Roast on a baking sheet until tender, about 20-25 minutes. Let cool slightly, then mash.
    2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
    3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, maple syrup, vegetable oil, egg, milk, miso paste, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
    4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
    5. Add Seeds: Gently fold in the mixed seeds.
    6. Bake: Pour the batter into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    7. Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

    Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes

    Serving Suggestions:

    breakfast Bliss: Slather with butter and a drizzle of honey.

  • Afternoon Delight: Pair with a cup of tea or coffee.
  • Elevated Snack: Serve with a dollop of cream cheese and a sprinkle of sea salt.
  • Savory Surprise: Top with avocado and a fried egg.

    • A Cultural Fusion

    This recipe is a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western culinary traditions. The sweet potato, a staple in many cultures, brings a comforting sweetness. The miso paste, a fermented soybean paste, adds a complex umami flavor that’s characteristic of Japanese cuisine. The seeds, a global pantry staple, offer a delightful crunch and nutritional boost. Together, these ingredients create a loaf that’s both nourishing and indulgent.

    As you savor each bite of this Miso-Kissed Sweet Potato Soul Bread, may it transport you to a place where cultures converge and flavors harmonize.