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Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes combine roasted sweet potatoes with a refreshing salad, creating a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. Perfect as a hearty lunch, side dish, or even main course, this recipe is a tasty twist!
Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
This easy recipe transforms sweet potatoes into culinary canvases! It features baked sweet potatoes cradling a salad of chickpeas, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and briny Kalamata olives, all tossed with a tangy lemon dressing! Finished with a sprinkle of crumbled feta, crunchy pine nuts, and a drizzle of tzatziki, every bite offers a combination of sweet, salty, and fresh flavors!
Why You’ll Love Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- Easy Recipe! This dish calls for very basic ingredients and is super easy to whip together. Roasting the sweet potatoes takes minimal effort and the chickpea salad comes together in just minutes.
- Layers of Flavor! These stuffed sweet potatoes offer a different taste and texture with every bite. The sweetness of the potato plays off the tangy dressing, while the crunch of the pine nuts contrasts with the creamy feta.
- Ideal For Meal Prep! Mediterranean stuffed sweet potatoes are a perfect make-ahead meal. You can bake the sweet potatoes and prepare the filling in advance, then simply assemble them right before eating.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Sweet Potatoes: These humble potatoes are the star of the show. Choose four medium-sized ones all about the same size for even cooking and perfect pockets.
- Chickpeas: These protein-packed beans add a satisfying texture and earthy flavor.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with sweetness and acidity, these little gems add pops of color and freshness.
- Cucumber: Cool and refreshing, cucumber balances the richness of the other ingredients and adds a bit of crunch.
- Red Onion: A touch of sharp onion adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Kalamata Olives: These briny olives add a salty kick and a touch of Mediterranean flair.
- Feta Cheese: Creamy and tangy, feta cheese complements the other flavors beautifully.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Used for the dressing, its fruity flavor adds another layer of deliciousness.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings a bright acidity that cuts through the richness.
- Dried Oregano: Synonymous with Mediterranean cuisine, it adds a warm, earthy aroma.
- Salt and Pepper: These pantry staples are essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- Fresh Parsley: A final sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of herbaceous freshness.
- Tzatziki Sauce: This creamy yogurt sauce adds a tangy coolness that complements the dish. You can use store-bought or make your own tzatziki sauce.
- Pine Nuts: They add a subtle crunch and rich nuttiness. Walnuts or pumpkin seeds are great alternatives.
Perfect for all cooks, this dish is easy peasy! Once you pop the sweet potatoes into the oven to bake and toss the salad together, you’re on your way to a ready to eat meal!
Bake The Sweet Potatoes
To begin, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then pierce all the sweet potatoes with a fork and place them on a large baking sheet. Now, pop them in the oven to bake for about 45 minutes or until they are tender and cooked through.
Prepare The Filling
First, put the drained chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and half of the feta into a large bowl.
Next, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl. Then pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and toss everything to coat. Now, set the salad aside for the flavors to meld.
Stuff The Sweet Potatoes
When done, let the sweet potatoes cool for a few minutes before handling. Then cut them open in half length wise, being careful not to slice through completely. Next, carefully fluff the insides with a fork to create a pocket, then stuff each sweet potato with the chickpea mixture.
Garnish And Serve
To serve, top your Mediterranean stuffed sweet potatoes with the remaining feta cheese, fresh chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of pine nuts. Then add a generous drizzle of tzatziki sauce and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should sweet potatoes be wrapped in foil before baking?
Wrapping the sweet potatoes in foil is not recommended for this recipe. Baking them unwrapped at a high temperature allows the skin to get slightly crisp while the inside becomes tender and fluffy. Wrapping in foil would steam the potatoes instead.
Can I cook the sweet potatoes in the microwave?
Yes! Pierce them with a fork, place them on a microwave-safe dish, and cook on high for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning halfway through. However, keep in mind that microwaving the potatoes will not give you the same depth of flavor and texture as roasting.
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Of course! But regular potatoes have a different texture and flavor profile compared to sweet potatoes. They are less sweet and more starchy, which will change the overall taste and experience of the dish. Additionally, the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type and size of the potatoes you use.
Expert Tips
- Ensure you preheat the oven. For the sweet potatoes to roast evenly, the oven must reach 400°F (200°C) before they go in. An oven that is not adequately preheated can lead to some parts of the sweet potato being undercooked.
- Doctor up the dressing. Don’t hesitate to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. For example, a pinch of cumin, coriander, garlic, or smoked paprika can add depth. You can also swap out the lemon juice for balsamic or apple cider vinegar.
- Use different toppings. Don’t like feta? Try goat cheese or even shredded mozzarella. Garnish with other fresh herbs such as cilantro, mint, dill, or chives. For spice, finish your Mediterranean stuffed sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of chili flakes.
- Make the dish vegan. Replace the feta cheese and tzatziki sauce with plant-based options and the dish is instantly a filling vegan meal. Vegan Greek yogurt, hummus, or a drizzle of tahini all make delicious vegan toppings.
Storage
These Mediterranean stuffed sweet potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can also store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Ideally, keeping the sweet potatoes and filling in separate airtight containers is best. Then just reheat the sweet potatoes in the oven or microwave, and add the filling right before serving.
Discover More Delicious Recipes
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- Mediterranean Chicken Bake
Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 cup canned chickpeas rinsed and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup cucumber diced
- ¼ cup red onion diced
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives pitted and chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- ¼ cup tzatziki sauce for serving
- 1 tablespoon pine nuts for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork, then place them on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 45 minutes, or until they're tender and fully cooked through.
- While the sweet potatoes are roasting, combine the chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and half of the crumbled feta in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the chickpea mixture and toss to coat. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Once the sweet potatoes are done, carefully slice each one open lengthwise, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Gently fluff the insides with a fork, then generously fill each pocket with the Mediterranean chickpea mixture.
- Top each stuffed sweet potato with the remaining feta, chopped parsley, and pine nuts. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and serve warm.
Tips & Notes:
- Sweet Potato Selection: Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes with smooth, unblemished skins for even cooking.
- Chickpea Tip: If you have time, try roasting the chickpeas for a few minutes for an added crunch.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients in the stuffing based on what’s available or to suit dietary preferences. Think bell peppers, artichokes, or even sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor kick.
- Make-Ahead Strategy: Roast the sweet potatoes ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve. The chickpea mixture can also be prepared in advance and refrigerated.
