Vegan Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to our Vegan Stuffed Sweet Potatoes recipe—a nourishing and flavorful dish that highlights the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with savory, wholesome fillings. Perfect for a hearty lunch or a satisfying dinner, this recipe features tender baked sweet potatoes generously stuffed with a blend of black beans, corn, and avocado, topped with a zesty lime dressing. This guide offers detailed instructions, precise measurements, and essential tips to help you create a delicious and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potatoes:

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 1.5 pounds or 680 grams, scrubbed clean)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or 15 milliliters)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Filling:

  • 1 can black beans (15 ounces or 425 grams, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup corn kernels (or 165 grams, fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (or 150 grams, halved)
  • 1/2 cup red onion (or 80 grams, finely chopped)
  • 1 avocado (diced)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (or 15 grams, chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

For the Lime Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (or 60 milliliters, from about 2 limes)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or 30 milliliters)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or 15 milliliters, pure)
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preparing the Sweet Potatoes:

  1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature allows the sweet potatoes to bake evenly and become tender.
  2. Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Scrub the sweet potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
  3. Season and Bake: Rub each sweet potato with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  4. Bake Sweet Potatoes: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. The exact time will depend on the size of the sweet potatoes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Preparing the Filling:

  1. Cook the Corn: If using frozen corn, cook according to package instructions. If using fresh corn, you can grill or sauté it briefly until tender. If using canned corn, simply drain and rinse.
  2. Prepare Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 can of black beans, 1 cup of corn kernels, 1 cup of cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/2 cup of finely chopped red onion, and 1 diced avocado.
  3. Season the Filling: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder to the bowl. Mix well to combine all ingredients and coat them with the spices.
  4. Add Fresh Herbs: Gently fold in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro for added flavor and freshness.

Preparing the Lime Dressing:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, and 1 minced garlic clove.
  2. Season the Dressing: Add 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Assembling the Stuffed Sweet Potatoes:

  1. Cut and Scoop: Once the sweet potatoes have cooled enough to handle, cut each one lengthwise down the center. Gently scoop out some of the flesh with a spoon, creating space for the filling, while leaving a border of sweet potato flesh around the edges.
  2. Stuff the Potatoes: Spoon the prepared filling into each sweet potato, packing it in gently.
  3. Drizzle with Dressing: Drizzle the lime dressing over the stuffed sweet potatoes. You can also serve the dressing on the side for individuals to add as desired.
  4. Garnish: Optionally, garnish with additional chopped cilantro or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Serving Suggestions

  • Side Dishes: Serve these stuffed sweet potatoes alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Toppings: Add extra toppings like sliced jalapeños for a bit of heat, or a dollop of vegan sour cream for added creaminess.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, based on 4 servings)

  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Dietary Fiber: 8g
  • Net Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 8g

SmartPoints (WW Points)

  • SmartPoints Value: 8 points per serving (based on a standard serving size and WW guidelines; values may vary based on specific ingredients).

Tips for Success

  1. Uniform Baking: Ensure the sweet potatoes are of similar size for even baking. You can also use a fork to poke a few holes in each sweet potato before baking to help them cook more evenly.
  2. Enhance Flavor: For extra flavor, try roasting the sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of cinnamon or paprika.
  3. Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in the filling according to your taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can increase the heat level if desired.
  4. Prepping Ahead: You can prepare the filling and lime dressing a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the sweet potatoes when ready to serve.
  5. Customize Fillings: Get creative with the stuffing by adding other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to suit your preferences.

Conclusion

Vegan Stuffed Sweet Potatoes offer a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and zesty flavors in one satisfying dish. This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a wholesome, plant-based meal. Whether you’re enjoying it as a hearty lunch or a cozy dinner, these stuffed sweet potatoes are sure to be a hit. Enjoy this healthy and flavorful dish while staying true to your dietary goals!