Sweet potatoes are a delightful ingredient that can transform a simple dish into something special. This Quick and Healthy Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious and satisfying. With its vibrant colors and flavors, this skillet dish is sure to become a family favorite.
It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and brings a touch of warmth to the table. Let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a large baking sheet with foil. Clean the sweet potatoes thoroughly, then cut them in half lengthwise to reduce cooking time.
- In a mixing bowl, combine rinsed and drained chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and smoked paprika. Spread them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Rub the sweet potatoes with a small amount of olive oil and place them cut-side down on the baking sheet. Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chickpeas are golden.
- While everything is baking, prepare the garlic herb sauce by mixing hummus, lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried dill in a bowl. Add water or almond milk gradually until the sauce is pourable. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- To prepare the parsley-tomato topping, combine diced cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, and finely chopped red onion in a bowl. Toss with lemon juice and set aside.
- Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, remove them from the oven. Turn them flesh-side up and gently mash the insides.
- For serving, top the sweet potatoes with the roasted chickpeas, drizzle with garlic herb sauce, and add the parsley-tomato salad. Optionally, garnish with chili garlic sauce for extra heat. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (~1/3 lb each)
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked (or regular) paprika
- Pinch of sea salt or lemon juice (optional)
- 1/4 cup hummus (or tahini)
- 1/2 medium lemon, juiced (~1 tablespoon juice)
- 3/4 – 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 2-3 teaspoons fresh)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (~1 1/2 tablespoons or 9 g)
- Water or unsweetened almond milk (to thin)
- Sea salt to taste (optional)
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley, minced
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Chili garlic sauce
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1232 | Carbohydrates: 218.8 g | Protein: 43.6 g | Fat: 24.4 g | Saturated Fat: 2.8 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.2 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8.8 g | Trans Fat: 0 g | Cholesterol: 0 mg | Sodium: 1600 mg | Potassium: 2436 mg | Fiber: 47.6 g | Sugar: 41.6 g | Vitamin A: 74388 IU | Vitamin C: 28 mg | Calcium: 460 mg | Iron: 10 mg
FAQ
- Can I substitute regular potatoes for sweet potatoes in this recipe?
- Yes, you can use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile will change as sweet potatoes offer a natural sweetness that complements the other ingredients.
- Is it necessary to peel the sweet potatoes before baking?
- No, peeling is not required. Leaving the skin on adds extra texture and nutrients to the dish, and it can be enjoyed as part of the meal.
- Can I prepare the garlic herb sauce without hummus?
- Absolutely! You can use tahini as an alternative to hummus. Just make sure to adjust the seasonings to add more flavor since tahini is milder.
- How can I make the dish spicier?
- To add more heat, you can incorporate chili garlic sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper on the chickpeas before roasting.
- How do I store leftovers, and how long do they last?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they should last for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Is this dish suitable for freezing?
- It’s best enjoyed fresh, as the texture of sweet potatoes and chickpeas can change when frozen and thawed.
Tips
- Speed Up Cooking Time: Cut the sweet potatoes into quarters instead of halves if they are on the larger side to reduce cooking time.
- Customize the Sauce: If you don’t have hummus on hand, you can use tahini as a base for the garlic herb sauce. Adjust the seasonings to make up for the milder flavor that tahini provides.
- Enhance Flavor to Taste: When preparing the garlic herb sauce, taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can add more garlic for a stronger taste, additional lemon juice for freshness, or extra dill for a more intense herb flavor.
- Buy Organic Sweet Potatoes: For the best quality and flavor, consider purchasing organic sweet potatoes. Adjust the number of sweet potatoes needed based on the number of servings you require.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
