Baked Sweet Potato: A Nourishing Delight for Any Occasion

This recipe for Baked Sweet Potato makes a great side dish or a healthy snack and it requires very little time to prepare! For this recipe, use the yellow sweet potatoes, not the orange colored ones. This is the variety used in Africa and it is roasted in coal ovens, much like the North American baked potato.

BAKED SWEET POTATO

Baked Sweet Potato is a versatile canvas for your culinary creativity. Its natural sweetness, paired with a myriad of topping options, makes it suitable for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Embrace the simplicity and wholesomeness of this dish, and let your taste buds revel in its gentle and satisfying flavors.

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Course Side Dish

Cuisine Africa

Servings 4 servings

Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

• 1 oven
• 1 fork

Ingredients

  

• 4  medium to large sized sweet potatoes

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Using a fork, poke a few holes into the sweet potatoes.
• Bake for 40 minutes to an hour or until skin is a light golden color.
• Carefully remove from the oven and let sit for five minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

• You can also serve this appetizer as a snack or a side dish.
• Try it for breakfast or instead of cake or cookies and pair it with a cup of spicy tea or coffee.
• Slice into bread like slices and spread some peanut butter for a delicious healthy snack.

Keyword vegetables

Nutritional ingredients of sweet potato

Sweet potatoes aren’t just delicious; they’re a nutritional treasure trove. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, they offer a range of health benefits that make them a must-add to your diet. Here’s a glimpse into the nutritional goodness of sweet potatoes:

• Vitamin A: Sweet potatoes are a rich source of beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. This nutrient is essential for maintaining healthy skin, vision, and a robust immune system.
• Vitamin C: As a potent antioxidant, vitamin C supports immune function and helps your body absorb iron.
• Fiber: These tubers boast both soluble and insoluble fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness, which can be helpful for weight management.
• Potassium: Sweet potatoes provide a good dose of potassium, which helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions.
• Vitamin B6: This vitamin plays a role in brain health, nervous system function, and helps convert food into energy.
• Manganese: Essential for bone health and metabolism, manganese is found in abundance in sweet potatoes.
• Antioxidants: The array of antioxidants in sweet potatoes, including anthocyanins and quercetin, contribute to their anti-inflammatory and potential anti-cancer properties.
• Low Glycemic Index: Despite their natural sweetness, sweet potatoes have a relatively low glycemic index, making them a favorable choice for managing blood sugar levels.
• Folate: Essential for cell division and a healthy pregnancy, folate is present in sweet potatoes.
• Calcium and Magnesium: These minerals contribute to bone health, muscle function, and overall wellbeing.

Serving suggestions

• Simple Elegance: Drizzle a bit of olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over your baked sweet potato halves. Enjoy their natural flavor and sweetness without any distractions.
• Sweet and Savory: Top your baked sweet potato with a dollop of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, then drizzle with honey and sprinkle with chopped nuts. The contrast of sweet and tangy flavors is a delight.
• Savory Satisfier: Load your baked sweet potato with sautéed spinach, black beans, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a wholesome and hearty meal.
• Tex-Mex Twist: Create a Tex-Mex-inspired dish by adding cooked ground turkey or beef, guacamole, salsa, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
• Herb Infusion: Mix minced fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley with melted butter or olive oil, then drizzle over your baked sweet potato for a burst of herbal goodness.
• Creamy Indulgence: Top with a scoop of creamy hummus and a handful of pomegranate seeds for a unique blend of textures and flavors.
• Curry Delight: Serve baked sweet potatoes alongside a fragrant chickpea curry for a fusion of flavors and textures.
• Breakfast Boost: Start your day right by enjoying a baked sweet potato topped with scrambled eggs, sautéed spinach, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
• Nut Butter Bliss: Spread almond or peanut butter over your baked sweet potato and add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a comforting and satisfying snack.
• Salad Centerpiece: Slice your baked sweet potato and place it atop a bed of mixed greens, then add your favorite salad toppings for a nutrient-packed meal.

FAQs of Baked Sweet Potato

• Can I eat the skin of the baked sweet potato? Absolutely! The skin of a baked sweet potato becomes tender and delicious, packed with extra nutrients and fiber. Just make sure to give them a good scrub before baking.
• How long do I need to bake sweet potatoes? Baking times vary depending on the size and thickness of the sweet potatoes. Generally, it takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour at 400°F (200°C). Pierce them with a fork to check for doneness – it should easily glide through the flesh.
• Can I add toppings before baking? Yes, you can! Before baking, consider brushing the sweet potatoes with a touch of olive oil and sprinkling some cinnamon or a pinch of sea salt. This adds depth to the flavors.
• How do I store leftovers? If you have leftovers, allow the baked sweet potatoes to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
• Can I freeze baked sweet potatoes? Yes, you can freeze them. First, let the baked sweet potatoes cool, then wrap each one in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat in the oven.