Baked Sweet Potato With Black Beans

Introduction

Baked sweet potatoes with black beans is a nutritious and delicious meal that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the hearty, protein-rich goodness of black beans. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it an excellent choice for a healthy lifestyle.

Ingredients

• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking sweet potatoes, allowing them to become tender and caramelized.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Using a fork, pierce each sweet potato several times. This helps steam escape during baking, preventing them from bursting.
3. Bake the Sweet Potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. The baking time may vary depending on the size of the sweet potatoes.
4. Prepare the Black Bean Mixture: While the sweet potatoes are baking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the drained and rinsed black beans, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the beans are heated through and the spices are fragrant.
5. Assemble the Dish: Once the sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Cut each sweet potato open lengthwise and gently fluff the inside with a fork. Spoon the black bean mixture over each sweet potato.
6. Garnish and Serve: Top the sweet potatoes with diced avocado and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your healthy and satisfying meal!

Conclusion

This baked sweet potato with black beans recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the potatoes complements the savory, spiced black beans, while the avocado adds creaminess and the cilantro and lime provide a fresh finish. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish, and it's sure to become a favorite in your healthy eating repertoire.