Spiced Sweet Potato Tacos
These are a favorite of my friend Judys six-year-old daughter, Becky, who could not stop eating them the first time I served them to her. The potato wedges make it easier to keep the stuffing in the tacos.
These are a favorite of my friend Judys six-year-old daughter, Becky, who could not stop eating them the first time I served them to her. The potato wedges make it easier to keep the stuffing in the tacos.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 very large sweet potato (about 1 pound)
- 1/2 small red onion cut into 1/4-inch dice (1/2 cup)
- 2 small garlic cloves minced (about 1 teaspoon)
- 1 (15-ounce) can pinto or black beans rinsed and drained (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 upfrozen sweet corn kernels rinsed
- 1/2 easpoonground cumin
- 1/2 easpoongroun ancho chile or to taste sea salt
- 12 to 16 corn tortillas
- 1 ripe hass avocado pitted and peeled
- 2 roma (plum) tomatoes cored and cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 1 cup)
- 3 scallions, white and green parts thinly sliced (about 3/4 cup)
- Carbohydrate 11.6268 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.522 g
- Fiber 3.07800011157989 g
- Protein 2.5464 g
- Saturated Fat 0.07422 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Recipe (252g)
- Sodium 13.32 mg
- Sugar 8.5487998884201 g
- Trans Fat 0.15174 g
- Calories 53 calories
Step-by-step
- Cut the sweet potato lengthwise into 1/2 to 3/4-inch thick sticks.
- Place a steamer basket in a saute pan, and add 1 to 2 inches of water to the pan. Cover and bring to a simmer. Place the sweet potato wedges in the steamer, cover, and steam until the sweet potato is cooked through but not too soft, 7 to 10 minutes, making sure not to overcook. Remove the sweet potato from the pot and set aside.
- In a large skillet, place the onion, garlic, and 2 tablespoons water. Cover and cook over low heat until the onion is translucent, about 10 minutes.
- Add the reserved sweet potato, beans, corn, cumin, ancho chile, and salt to taste. Gently fold to coat the sweet potato with the spices. Cook over medium-low heat until heated through, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the heat.
- Line a plate with a damp large, clean dish towel. Warm the tortillas one at a time for about 20 seconds on each side in a dry skillet set over medium heat. Or, if you have a gas stove, place a tortilla straight over the flame for a few seconds on each side. As you heat the tortillas, stack them on the damp towel and cover the tops of them with the towel to retain moisture.
- Place the avocado in a small bowl and use a fork to gently mash it.
- To form the taco, spread some avocado on half of each tortilla. Spoon some beans and sweet potato on top, then add the tomato, scallions, and cilantro. Drizzle with some lime juice. Fold each tortilla in half. Serve at once.
Spiced Sweet Potato Tacos: A Simple Recipe for Busy Weeknights
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a constant uphill battle. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and extracurricular activities, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I love recipes that are both flavorful and quick to prepare. This Spiced Sweet Potato Taco recipe is a perfect example – a vibrant, healthy meal ready in under an hour.
The inspiration for this recipe came from a cherished memory. A friend’s young daughter devoured these tacos the first time she tasted them. Seeing her joy and the clean plates gave me the push I needed to share this easy recipe. The key to this recipe's success? Simple, fresh ingredients combined with a hint of spice. The sweet potatoes are steamed to perfection, ensuring a tender texture that perfectly complements the savory filling.
Beyond the Recipe: Why This Meal Works for a Busy Life
This recipe isn't just about the delicious taste; it’s about efficiency. Here's what makes it a winner for busy families:
- Quick Prep Time: Most of the ingredients require minimal preparation. The sweet potatoes steam quickly, and the other components simply need chopping.
- One-Pan Wonder (Mostly!): While you need a skillet and a steamer, the majority of the cooking happens in one pan, minimizing cleanup.
- Make-Ahead Potential: You can steam the sweet potatoes and prepare the filling ahead of time. Then, when dinnertime arrives, all you need to do is warm the tortillas and assemble the tacos. This is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
- Health Benefits: Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber, making this a nutritious choice for the whole family. The beans add protein, and the vegetables contribute essential vitamins and minerals.
- Customizable: Want to add some extra flair? Feel free to experiment with different toppings. Some ideas include shredded cheese, sour cream, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
More Than Just Tacos: Adaptability and Versatility
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can easily customize the spices to suit your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different chile peppers for varying levels of heat. And while I love using corn tortillas, feel free to substitute flour tortillas or even lettuce wraps for a lower-carb option.
The filling itself can be adapted for different dishes. You could easily use the spiced sweet potato mixture as a side dish, a filling for burritos or quesadillas, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. The possibilities are endless.
So, the next time you're looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that the whole family will love, look no further than these spiced sweet potato tacos. They are a testament to the fact that flavorful and nourishing meals don't have to be time-consuming. They're a perfect example of how to bring a little bit of sunshine into a busy weeknight routine.
Beyond the Kitchen: The Little Things That Make Life Easier
In addition to this recipe, I have a few tips to make life easier for busy people. Meal prepping is a lifesaver. I often spend a couple of hours on the weekend prepping ingredients or even assembling entire meals that I can grab and heat up during the week. This saves me valuable time during the week when everything is hectic. Utilizing leftovers is also key – don’t be afraid to turn yesterday’s dinner into today's lunch. It's another simple way to save time and reduce food waste. Lastly, embrace imperfection. Sometimes things don’t go according to plan, and that’s okay. A slightly messy kitchen or a less-than-perfect meal are small sacrifices compared to the time saved and the quality time spent with your family. Enjoy!
