Baked Sweet Potato Boats Recipe
Description:
Baked Sweet Potato Boats are a delightful gluten-free and vegan side dish bursting with vibrant flavors and wholesome goodness. Loaded with a mix of nutrient-rich vegetables, protein-packed black beans, and a zesty Mexican-inspired dressing, this dish is as healthy as it is satisfying. The creamy cashew-based sour cream adds a luscious finish, making it a perfect light meal or accompaniment. This recipe is easy to prepare, filling without being heavy, and showcases a medley of bold spices and fresh ingredients.
Recipe Details
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Side Dish
Dietary Preference: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Vegan-Friendly
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Black beans | 1 cup, cooked, rinsed, and drained if canned |
| Onion | ½, finely diced |
| Tomato | 1, seeded and finely diced |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | ¼ cup, finely diced |
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | ¼ cup, finely diced |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | ¼ cup, chopped |
| Pickled Jalapeños | 5, chopped |
| Sweet Corn | ½ cup, steamed and cooled |
| Sweet Potatoes | 4, medium-sized |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | As needed |
| Red Chili Sauce | As required |
Dressing Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red Chili Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | ½ teaspoon |
| Dried Oregano | ½ teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper Powder | A pinch |
| Garlic | 1 clove, finely minced |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Red Wine | 1–2 teaspoons |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Cashew Sour Cream Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cashew Nuts | ¼ cup, soaked for an hour |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon Juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon Zest | 1 teaspoon (optional but preferred) |
| Water | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 60 minutes | 70 minutes |
Instructions
-
Bake the Sweet Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Lightly grease the sweet potatoes with olive oil and arrange them on a baking tray.
- Bake for 45–60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
-
Prepare the Cashew Sour Cream:
- In a small blender jar, combine the soaked cashew nuts, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest (if using), water, and salt.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with additional water if needed. Set aside.
-
Make the Dressing:
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, red wine, and olive oil until emulsified.
- Add red chili powder, cumin seeds, dried oregano, sugar, black pepper powder, and minced garlic.
- Continue whisking until all ingredients are well incorporated.
-
Prepare the Salad Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the black beans, diced onion, tomato, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, coriander leaves, pickled jalapeños, and steamed sweet corn.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
-
Assemble the Sweet Potato Boats:
- Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, use a fork to gently create a cavity in the center of each potato.
- Fill the cavity with the prepared salad mixture, packing it in generously.
-
Add Final Touches:
- Drizzle the cashew sour cream over the filled sweet potatoes.
- Add a splash of red chili sauce for an extra kick if desired.
-
Serve:
- Serve the Baked Sweet Potato Boats warm, garnished with additional coriander leaves for a fresh pop of color.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250–300 kcal |
| Protein | 6–8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45–50 g |
| Fats | 8–10 g |
| Fiber | 8–10 g |
| Vitamin A | High |
| Vitamin C | High |
Tips for Success
- For added texture, lightly toast the black beans in a skillet before mixing into the salad.
- The cashew sour cream can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make this dish extra indulgent, sprinkle some vegan cheese over the filled sweet potatoes and bake for an additional 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy these flavorful, nutrient-packed Baked Sweet Potato Boats as a wholesome lunch or a vibrant side dish that’s sure to impress!
