Creole Sweet Potatoes, Corn and Squash Bake

Ingredients

• 350 g sweet potatoes, peeled
• 350 g pale green squash, halved lengthwise (if you can't get pale green you can substitute dark green zucchini)
• 1-2 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 small onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 green bell pepper, cut in thin strips
• 1 stalk celery, diced small
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped

• 1 (800 g) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 bay leaf
• 1-2 teaspoon paprika
• salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, to taste
• 2 cups thawed frozen corn kernels

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 190°C.

2. 2

   Add the sweet potatoes to a saucepan of boiling water.

3. 3

   Simmer uncovered over medium heat for 6 minutes.

4. 4

   Add the squashes and simmer for 4 minutes, or until both vegetables are nearly tender but not too soft.

5. 5

   Drain and rinse the vegetables with cold water.

6. 6

   Cut squashes and sweet potatoes into 2 centimeter dice (a little smaller than 1 inch).

7. 7

   Heat the oil in a medium saute pan.

8. 8

   Add the onion, pepper and celery and cook over medium low heat, stirring, until onion begins to brown, about 7 minutes.

9. 9

   Add garlic and cook for another 1/2 minute.

10. 10

    Add the tomatoes, bay leaf, paprika, salt and pepper and bring to a boil.

11. 11

    Cook uncovered over medium heat, stirring often, for 10 minutes or until the sauce is thick.

12. 12

    Discard the bay leaf.

13. 13

    Add the oregano, thyme and hot sauce to taste.

14. 14

    Add the squash, corn and sweet potatoes to the sauce.

15. 15

    Season to taste with salt and pepper.

16. 16

    Spoon into a 2-liter casserole.

17. 17

    Cover and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.