I am always trying to come up with recipes that use the standard ingredients I always keep in the house.  Keeping a stash of regular and reliable items in the pantry and fridge ensure that a healthy, simple and economical meal is never far off.

For lunch yesterday I came up with a delicious meal that included egg, sweet potato and spinach. Every ingredient is one of our kitchen staples (the egg and sweet potato came from our co-op). The meal came together almost too easily, and I felt satisfied and energized when I finished.  It made a great lunch, but would be an elegant breakfast or a perfect casual dinner.

Sweet Potato Pancake with Wilted Spinach and Egg

butter

1 cup shredded sweet potato with skin on (I grated about half of a medium sweet potato)

olive oil

salt, pepper

1 tablespoon flour

1 small garlic clove, chopped

1 handful baby spinach leaves

1 egg

In a small bowl, combine sweet potato, salt, pepper, flour and a bit of olive oil. Stir well.

Heat a small saute pan over medium heat.  Melt a bit of butter.  Pour sweet potato mixture into the hot pan and form into a pancake.  Press down with the back of a spatula.  Cook for about three minutes, until one side is browned.  Flip (its ok if it comes apart, just do your best to keep it semi-intact).  Once the second side is browned, slide onto a plate.  Set aside.

Add a bit of olive oil to the pan and the garlic.  Cook until the garlic is fragrant (no more than 30 seconds) and drop in the spinach.  Stir until wilted.  Pile onto the sweet potato.

Add a bit of butter to the pan.  Drop in an egg and cook til its done the way you like.  Slide the egg out of the pan and onto the spinach.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired.