Roasted opossum with sweet potatoes
Roasted opossum with sweet potatoes is a traditional, rustic dish from the rural Southern United States, particularly associated with Appalachian and Creole cuisines. It features a whole or quartered opossum, often stuffed or roasted alongside sweet potatoes, onions, and sometimes apples, seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a high-protein, moderate-fat meal with a significant carbohydrate component from the sweet potatoes. It provides a good source of iron, B vitamins, and potassium, with a rough calorie estimate of 400-500 calories per serving.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbs | 40 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Potassium | 850 mg |
| Vitamin A | 12000 IU |
| Niacin (B3) | 8 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.8 mg |
| Phosphorus | 350 mg |
| Zinc | 5 mg |
| Selenium | 25 mcg |
Per 1 serving (approx. 300 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this dish represents a historical example of foraging and using locally available game, often prepared for special occasions or as a hearty winter meal. Nutritionally, opossum is a lean wild game meat, and pairing it with nutrient-dense sweet potatoes creates a balanced, if unconventional, plate.
