Name: Sweet Potato with Toasted Coconut
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Yield: Makes 6 servings (as part of a large meal)
Ingredients: 3 medium sweet potatoes (1 3/4 pound total), peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 5 cups); 2 cups water, divided; 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper; Salt; 1/2 cup grated dried unsweetened coconut; 1/2 cup canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained; 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 small fresh green chile, such as serrano, Thai, or jalapeño, slit lengthwise with stem end intact; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1/2 teaspoon brown mustard seeds; 1/8 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes; 10 fresh curry leaves (optional)

Image may contain Cutlery Spoon Plant Food Produce Vegetable and Seasoning

Sweet Potato with Toasted CoconutJohn Kernick

Erisheris are thick curries traditionally made with yams or pumpkin, toasted coconut, and whole kidney beans. They are hearty and earthy, with a tropical twist of coconut and curry leaves. My variation, made with sweet potatoes, crosses over beautifully to a fall or winter menu; I've even served it for Thanksgiving. This recipe is part of our menu for Sadhya, a South Indian feast.

Cooks' Notes:

•Indian ingredients can be mail-ordered from Kalustyans.com.
•Chile can be removed during cooking when erisheri is spicy enough for your taste.
•Erisheri, without spiced oil, can be made 1 day ahead and chilled. Reheat before proceeding with recipe.

Recipe notes

29 Ricotta Recipes for Dinner, Dessert, and More

Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.

The Most-Saved Recipes in the Epicurious App This Week

Like seared scallop piccata and chocolate Guinness cake.

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need

Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Vegan Chili

This vegan chili skips the meat but keeps all of the smoky-savory flavors that make it so comforting: cocoa powder, beans, and all of the toppings.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.