Ingredients
Scale
For the Hash Base:
- 2 lbs (about 900g) Sweet Potatoes (approx. 2–3 medium-large): Peeled and diced into small, uniform 1/2-inch cubes.
- 1 lb (450g) Pork Sausage: Choose your favorite! Spicy Italian sausage, sweet Italian sausage, or a classic breakfast sausage all work wonderfully. Casings removed if using links.
- 1 large Yellow Onion (about 1.5 cups, diced): Forms the aromatic foundation of the hash.
- 1 Red Bell Pepper (about 1.5 cups, diced): Adds a touch of sweetness, vibrant color, and texture.
- 3–4 cloves Garlic (minced): Add it towards the end of sautéing to prevent it from burning.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Just enough to get the vegetables started.
- 6 large Eggs: For topping the hash.
For the Perfect Spice Blend:
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika: This is key for adding a deep, smoky flavor that complements the sweet potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: Adds an earthy, herbaceous note.
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin: Lends a warm, savory depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (or to taste): Adjust based on the saltiness of your sausage.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground):
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a gentle kick of heat.
For Garnish and Serving (Optional but Recommended):
- 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro or Parsley (chopped): For a burst of freshness.
- 1 Avocado (sliced or diced): For creamy richness.
- Hot Sauce (e.g., Sriracha or Cholula): For those who like it extra spicy.
- Crumbled Feta or Cotija Cheese: For a salty, tangy finish.
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: The cooking process moves fairly quickly, so it’s best to have all your vegetables chopped and spices measured before you begin. Dice the sweet potatoes, onion, and bell pepper into a uniform 1/2-inch dice. This ensures everything cooks evenly. Mince your garlic.
- Brown the Sausage: Place a large, 12-inch cast-iron skillet or another oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it into small crumbles as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a separate bowl, leaving about one tablespoon of the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the tablespoon of olive oil to the fat in the skillet. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until they have softened and the onion is translucent.
- Caramelize the Sweet Potatoes (The Key Step): Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet along with the spice blend (smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes). Stir everything together until the sweet potatoes are well-coated in the spices and fat. Now, for the most important part: spread the mixture into an even layer and let it cook, undisturbed, for 4-5 minutes. This lack of movement allows the potatoes to develop a deep brown, caramelized crust on the bottom. After 4-5 minutes, stir the hash and repeat the process, letting it sit again for another 4-5 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Continue this process of stirring and resting for a total of 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and nicely browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine everything.
- Make Wells for the Eggs: Use the back of a spoon to create six small wells in the hash mixture. Crack one egg into each well.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the entire skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake for 7-10 minutes. The exact time will depend on how you like your eggs. For runny yolks and set whites, aim for the 7-8 minute mark. For firmer yolks, let them go a bit longer.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Let it rest for a minute, then garnish generously with fresh cilantro or parsley, sliced avocado, and a sprinkle of cheese if desired. Serve immediately, straight from the pan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 450-550 kcal