Sweet potatoes are a nutritious choice, packed with vitamins, fiber, and important minerals. Preparing them in a healthy and tasty way that is low in added fats and high in protein can be both simple and delicious. Here’s a recipe you can try:
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Beans and Greens
Ingredients:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 can (about 15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups of chopped kale or spinach
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: avocado, salsa, Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of cheese (if not strictly plant-based)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for about 45-60 minutes, or until tender all the way through.
- While the sweet potatoes are baking, prepare the filling. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a little water or vegetable broth and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent, about 3-5 minutes, adding more liquid as needed to prevent sticking.
- Add the kale or spinach to the skillet and cook until the greens are wilted and tender. Add the black beans and season with cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until everything is heated through, adding the 1/4 cup water or broth to keep everything moist.
- Once the sweet potatoes are done, let them cool for a few minutes until they’re safe to handle. Slice them open lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork.
- Stuff each sweet potato with the bean and greens mixture. Add any of the optional toppings as desired, such as avocado for healthy fat, salsa for flavor without the fat, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a protein boost.
- Serve warm with any additional toppings on the side.
This recipe combines the health benefits of sweet potatoes with the protein-rich black beans and nutrient-packed greens, creating a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fat, while keeping added fats to a minimum. It’s easy to adjust to taste and can be modified to fit different dietary preferences or to include additional protein sources as desired.