Protein Loaded Sweet Potato Boats
These warm and filling sweet potato boats are filled with savory spices, protein, wilted spinach, and melty cheese, making for a delicious blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
For the Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil Use less for lower fat.
- pinch salt
For the Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 1-1.5 cups protein of choice (lean ground turkey, black beans, chickpeas, or shredded chicken)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh spinach
To Finish
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or vegan cheese alternative)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (to serve)
Instructions
Roasting the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry the sweet potatoes, then slice each one in half lengthwise. Drizzle with 1–2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 35–45 minutes until tender.
Sautéing Aromatics
- While the potatoes roast, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 4–6 minutes.
Cooking Protein and Spices
- Add your choice of protein to the skillet. If using ground turkey, cook until it is no longer pink. If using canned black beans or chickpeas, heat them through. Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.
Adding Spinach and Mixing
- Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Once the potatoes are roasted, scoop out some of the flesh from each half to create a cavity and mix that scooped flesh into the filling.
Stuffing and Baking
- Fill each sweet potato half with the protein mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the filled halves and return to the oven for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
Notes
For different flavor profiles, try optional variations such as Mexican-style or Mediterranean. Make-ahead and storage tips are also included for convenience.