Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
One of our favorite ways to welcome autumn is with vibrant, fall-colored dishes that are loaded with lots of warming spices and delicious textures. Our stuffed sweet potato recipe is a cozy, scrumptious and nutritious meal to keep you warm on those brisk days. A tender and fluffy sweet potato is stuffed with crispy chickpeas, hearty greens, tangy sundried tomatoes and topped with a perfectly sweet, nutty, creamy, delectable curry maple tahini sauce. You can’t go wrong with this protein-packed dish that is easy to prepare and delivers a flavorful combo of good-for-you ingredients.
Nutrient highlights
Sweet Potato: Packed full of beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A). Vitamin A is integral for vision and immune function, as well as skin and bone health. Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that can reduce inflammation and boost immune function by increasing disease-fighting cells in the body and assist cells in protection against viruses. Scientists have also reported that carotenoid-rich foods (orange foods) can help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer (especially in the lungs, esophagus, and stomach), and can improve immune system function. Sweet potatoes are also an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps destroy free radicals and support the body’s natural immune response, by reducing oxidative stress.
Chickpeas: Areas around the world that have been identified as places where humans live the longest (Blue Zones), are places where chickpeas are commonly found in the diet. These versatile and affordable beans contain folate, fiber, iron, phosphorus and healthy fats. Their high amounts of soluble fiber and plant sterol support a healthy gut microbiome. Chickpeas increase feelings of satiety and have been associated with a decreased risk of heart disease.
Tomatoes: A great source of lycopene that helps reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease and protect skin integrity. Cooking tomatoes in a healthy fat increases the amount of available lycopene that the body will absorb.
Greens: Greens such as kale, spinach, collards, mustard greens, arugula, and chard have been shown to protect bones from osteoporosis. They can reduce inflammation, support a healthy gut, strengthen the immune system, protect cognition and supply a high amount of antioxidants.
Garlic: Considered a prebiotic, meaning it feeds the “good” bacteria in our gut and promotes a healthy digestive system. Research supports that the compounds in garlic, such as allicin, have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cardio-protective properties. If you chop your garlic 10-15 minutes before using, it will have the maximum amount of active allicin.
Tahini: Great source of plant-based protein made from sesame seeds. Packed full of fiber and healthy fats, which can reduce your risk of heart disease and improve overall health.
