Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potato with Black Beans, Veggies & Seeds

🍠 Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potato with Black Beans, Veggies & Seeds

🌿 Description

This Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potato is warm, nourishing, and bursting with flavor. A perfectly roasted sweet potato is filled with herbed black beans, colorful vegetables, melted cheese, and finished with fresh herbs and crunchy pumpkin seeds. It’s a wholesome, protein-rich meal that’s naturally gluten-free and incredibly satisfying—perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 2 medium sweet potatoes

• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• ¾ cup cooked black beans, rinsed & drained

• ¼ cup red bell pepper, diced

• 2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped

• ¼ tsp smoked paprika

• ¼ tsp cumin

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Toppings & finish:

• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Mediterranean-style blend)

• 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds (pepitas), toasted

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

• 2 tbsp green onions, sliced

• Optional: Greek yogurt or tahini drizzle

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Roast the sweet potatoes
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
   Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork, rub lightly with olive oil, and bake for 40–45 minutes until tender.

2. Prepare the filling
   In a skillet, heat a little olive oil.
   Add onion and bell pepper; sauté 2–3 minutes.
   Stir in black beans, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Warm through.

3. Stuff & bake again
   Slice sweet potatoes open lengthwise and fluff the inside with a fork.
   Fill with black bean mixture and sprinkle cheese on top.
   Return to oven for 5–8 minutes, until cheese melts.

4. Finish & serve
   Top with pumpkin seeds, herbs, green onions, and optional yogurt or tahini.

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✨ Tips & Variations

• Swap black beans for chickpeas or lentils

• Add spinach or kale to the filling

• Use feta instead of shredded cheese for a Mediterranean twist

• Make it vegan with dairy-free cheese or tahini only

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❓ Q & A

Q: Is this Mediterranean-friendly?
A: Yes! Sweet potatoes, olive oil, legumes, seeds, and herbs fit perfectly into a Mediterranean-style diet.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Roast potatoes and prep filling ahead, then assemble and reheat.

Q: Is this a full meal?
A: Yes—it’s balanced with fiber, protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs.

Q: Can I air fry the sweet potatoes?
A: Yes! Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 30–35 minutes, turning once.