Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering dish that combines the creamy sweetness of perfectly roasted sweet potatoes and the irresistible crunch of seasoned lentils. This recipe is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and impress even the pickiest eaters. Imagine diving into a tender, golden-baked sweet potato filled with crispy, cumin-spiced lentils that offer a delightful textural contrast – it's comfort food elevated to gourmet status!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Greek yogurt or avocado for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat dry. Using a fork, pierce each potato several times to allow steam to escape during roasting.
- Rub each sweet potato with a small amount of olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- While potatoes are roasting, prepare the lentils. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add cooked lentils and sprinkle with cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Toast the lentils, stirring occasionally, until they become crispy and golden brown, approximately 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Once sweet potatoes are done, remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Slice each potato lengthwise, gently pressing the sides to create an opening.
- Generously fill each potato with the crispy seasoned lentils. If desired, top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sliced avocado.
- Serve immediately while potatoes are warm and lentils are crisp. Garnish with additional herbs or spices if preferred.
Tips
- Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes with smooth, firm skin for the best roasting results.
- Don't skip piercing the potatoes – this prevents them from bursting and helps steam escape.
- For extra crispy lentils, ensure they are well-dried before toasting and use a hot skillet.
- Experiment with different toppings like Greek yogurt, avocado, or fresh herbs to customize your dish.
- Make sure to let the sweet potatoes rest for a few minutes after roasting to allow for easier handling.
- For a protein boost, consider using green or brown lentils which hold their shape better when toasted.
- If you want to prep ahead, you can roast the sweet potatoes and crisp the lentils separately, then assemble just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
