Sure! Here’s a simple and easy recipe for Seeded Miso Sweet Potato Bread that you can follow to enjoy a savory and slightly sweet loaf with a unique umami twist. This recipe balances the earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, the savory depth of miso paste, and the delightful crunch of seeds. Let’s get started!

Seeded Miso Sweet Potato Bread Recipe

Yield: 1 loaf
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat for a healthier version)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
  • 1/2 cup mixed seeds (e.g., pumpkin, sesame, sunflower, chia, flax) for topping and mixing
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 1 cup mashed roasted sweet potato (roughly one medium-sized sweet potato)
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce (for moisture)
  • 1/4 cup miso paste (white or yellow miso for a milder taste, red for a stronger flavor)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup (or honey if you prefer)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, to add a touch of sweetness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato

1. Roast the sweet potato:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce one medium sweet potato several times with a fork, then wrap it in foil and place it on a baking sheet.
   • Roast for about 40-45 minutes until tender when pierced with a knife.
   • Once done, let it cool. Peel off the skin and mash the flesh with a fork until smooth. Measure out 1 cup and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Your Loaf Pan and Preheat the Oven

1. Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with a bit of oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
2. Stir in 1/4 cup of mixed seeds, reserving the remaining 1/4 cup for the topping. This ensures you’ll have seeds throughout the bread for extra texture and flavor.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potato, applesauce, miso paste, olive oil, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract (if using).
   • Note: Make sure the miso paste is well incorporated. If it’s too thick to mix easily, you can whisk it with a little warm water beforehand to dissolve it smoothly.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
2. Pour the wet ingredients into the well.
3. Gently fold the mixture together using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense and tough. It’s okay if the batter looks a bit lumpy!

Step 6: Add the Topping

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
2. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of mixed seeds on top of the batter for a crunchy and visually appealing crust.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

1. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. If the top is browning too quickly, cover the loaf loosely with a piece of foil after about 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

1. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
2. Afterward, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for Success

1. Choosing the Miso:
   • White miso has a sweeter, milder flavor and works well if you prefer a more subtle miso taste.
   • Yellow miso provides a bit more depth, while red miso has a stronger, saltier, and fermented flavor. Choose based on your taste preference. For beginners, white or yellow miso might be the best choice.
2. Roasting the Sweet Potato:
   • Roasting the sweet potato brings out its natural sweetness and ensures the bread has a moist texture. Don’t skip this step! You can also roast a few extra sweet potatoes for other recipes or future bread batches.
3. Adding Seeds:
   • The seeds provide a wonderful crunch and nutritional boost. You can choose any seeds you like—pumpkin and sunflower seeds add a hearty bite, while chia and flax seeds give a slight nuttiness.
   • You can even toast the seeds before adding them to the batter or on top to intensify their flavor.
4. Storage:
   • This bread keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices for up to 2 months.
   • To reheat, pop a slice in the toaster or warm it gently in the oven.
5. Flavor Variations:
   • For a spicier kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne or smoked paprika to the dry ingredients for a hint of heat.
   • For added sweetness: Throw in a handful of chopped dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or dates.
   • For extra umami: Add a tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari to the wet ingredients.
6. Serving Suggestions:
   • This bread is versatile! Enjoy it plain or with a spread of butter, cream cheese, or nut butter. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or a snack.
   • It can also be served as a side dish with soups, salads, or stews for a heartier meal.

Why This Recipe Works

This Seeded Miso Sweet Potato Bread combines several layers of flavor and texture into one loaf. The sweet potato lends natural sweetness and moisture, the miso adds an umami punch, and the seeds bring a satisfying crunch. It’s a wholesome, hearty bread with a unique twist, perfect for anyone looking for something different yet comforting.

The miso adds a salty-sweet flavor that balances the sweetness of the sweet potato and maple syrup, creating a delightful contrast. Meanwhile, the combination of seeds provides fiber, healthy fats, and extra nutrients, making this loaf both delicious and nutritious.

Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, as a snack, or alongside a savory meal, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Enjoy baking your Seeded Miso Sweet Potato Bread!