Pin it
Sweet Potato and Poblano Skillet transforms breakfast into a vibrant, satisfying adventure that awakens the senses and nourishes the body. This colorful one-pan wonder features tender sweet potatoes and smoky roasted poblanos layered with spicy chorizo, protein-rich black beans, and perfectly cooked eggs, all crowned with a fresh avocado salsa that brightens every bite. The combination of textures and flavors creates a harmonious balance that's both comforting and exciting—southwestern breakfast reimagined with soul-satisfying depth.
After serving this at a casual brunch gathering, my friend who typically opts for sweet breakfast dishes helped himself to seconds, claiming it had "converted him to the savory breakfast side." The empty skillet told the whole story of its appeal.
Essential Elements
- Sweet potatoes: Provide earthy sweetness and satisfying texture
- Roasted poblanos: Add smoky depth without overwhelming heat
- Savory chorizo: Creates rich, spicy foundation
- Black beans: Offer plant-based protein and hearty texture
- Fresh egg yolks: Create luscious sauce when broken into the dish
- Avocado salsa: Provides cooling, fresh contrast
- Bold spices: Tie all components together harmoniously
- Proper seasoning: Enhances each ingredient's natural flavors
Pin it
Creating Perfect Skillet
- Poblano Preparation
- Char completely and allow proper steaming. This crucial step ensures easy peeling and deep smoky flavor.
- Sweet Potato Technique
- Cook until tender with golden edges. This develops caramelization while maintaining structure.
- Chorizo Development
- Brown thoroughly to render flavorful oils. These essential oils season the entire dish.
- Egg Finishing
- Create proper nests and cover while cooking. This ensures runny yolks with set whites.
My grandmother always said, "A breakfast that combines colors combines nutrients." This vibrant skillet honors that wisdom perfectly with its rainbow of ingredients.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this hearty skillet with warm corn tortillas for scooping up every delicious bite. For a complete brunch spread, add a simple fruit salad with citrus and fresh mint for refreshing contrast. Coffee or a spicy michelada completes the meal beautifully.
Creative Variations
Experiment with different proteins like Mexican-style chorizo or plant-based alternatives for vegetarians. Try adding sautéed greens like kale or spinach for additional nutrients, or incorporate different pepper varieties based on your heat preference.
Pin it
Storage Success
Store the base mixture (without eggs or salsa) in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week. For meal prep, portion into individual containers and reheat in a skillet, adding fresh eggs and salsa when serving.
After perfecting this recipe through countless weekend brunches, I've found that success lies in the details - the proper charring of the poblanos, the patient cooking of the sweet potatoes, and the careful layering of flavors that creates a dish greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual brunch gathering, this Sweet Potato and Poblano Skillet delivers satisfaction and culinary excitement in every colorful bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes! The sweet potato, chorizo, poblano and bean mixture can be made 3-4 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture in a skillet and then add fresh eggs to cook. The avocado salsa is best made fresh, as avocados will brown even with lime juice if prepared too far in advance.
- → What can I substitute for chorizo?
- If you don't eat pork or want a less spicy option, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken seasoned with paprika, garlic, and oregano. For a vegetarian version, use soyrizo, crumbled tempeh with taco seasoning, or simply add an extra can of beans for protein.
- → What if I can't find poblano peppers?
- If poblanos aren't available, green bell peppers make a milder substitute. For a similar heat level, you could use Anaheim peppers. If you want more heat, a combination of bell peppers plus one jalapeño (seeds removed) would work well.
- → How spicy is this dish?
- The spice level is moderate, coming primarily from the chorizo and poblano peppers. Poblanos are relatively mild compared to other chiles. If you're sensitive to spice, you can reduce the chili powder or use a milder sausage. If you love heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to the mixture.
- → Can I make this without eggs for a dairy-free option?
- The recipe is already dairy-free as written! If you don't want to include eggs, simply skip that step. The sweet potato, chorizo, and bean mixture is hearty and satisfying on its own. You could also add some nutritional yeast for a savory flavor boost if omitting the eggs.