Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Lentils

Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Lentils

Why Sweet Potatoes Deserve a Spot on Your Shopping List Year-Round

Although sweet potatoes are commonly linked to Thanksgiving, they are a superfood perfect for any time of the year! Here are some convincing (and slightly humorous) reasons to include them in your shopping list:

• Versatile Veggie: Sweet potatoes can be mashed, baked, or turned into fries. They’re like the Swiss Army knife of vegetables—just without the risk of cutting yourself!

• Sweet Enough to be a Dessert: Who needs pie when you have sweet potatoes? Just add a little cinnamon and sugar, and voilà! You've got a guilt-free dessert that your taste buds will thank you for.

• Superfood Status: They’re packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Eating sweet potatoes might not give you superpowers, but at least you can feel like a superhero while you’re munching on them!

• Colorful Plate: They add a pop of color to your meals. Forget boring beige food—sweet potatoes are like the party guests who show up with confetti!

• Easy to Cook: Just toss them in the oven and let them do their thing. It’s the culinary equivalent of a “set it and forget it” infomercial, minus the awkward host.

• Great for Your Mood: They contain tryptophan, which can help boost your mood. So, if you’re feeling down, just remember: sweet potatoes are basically nature’s way of saying, “Cheer up, buddy!”

So, next time you’re at the grocery store, don’t just think of sweet potatoes as a Thanksgiving sidekick. Think of them as your year-round veggie hero!

However, in all seriousness, here are some incredible benefits of these two superfoods.

Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

• Packed with Nutrients: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

• Enhance Gut Health: High fiber supports digestion.

• Support Vision: Contains beta-carotene for eye health.

• Potential Cancer Fighter: Antioxidants may help combat cancer.

• Boost Immune System: Strengthens immune defenses.

The Power of Lentils:

• Excellent Source of Protein: Supports muscle growth and repair.

• High in Fiber: Promotes healthy digestion and gut health.

• Rich in Iron: Vital for oxygen transport.

• Loaded with Folate: Important for cell growth.

Lentils also help reduce heart disease risk, lower cholesterol, and improve blood sugar control. By incorporating sweet potatoes and lentils into your meals, you’re not just enhancing flavor; you’re investing in your well-being.

Ingredients:

Serves 4

2-3 medium sweet potatoes (1.5-2 pounds total) washed but not peeled

1 cup green lentils

6 Tbsp. olive oil, divided

4 Tbsp. unseasoned rice vinegar, divided

4 green onions

2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup

1 Tbsp. soy sauce

1 tsp. toasted sesame oil

1 tsp. red pepper flakes

Chopped toasted pistachios for serving

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 425°. Roast sweet potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet until tender, 45–55 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes.

• Cook lentils in a medium pot of boiling salted water until tender but not falling apart, 20–30 minutes. Drain; let cool 10 minutes.

• Toss lentils in a medium bowl with 4 Tbsp. olive oil and 2 Tbsp. vinegar. Season with salt.

• Trim scallions and cut crosswise into 3" lengths. Slice each piece into very thin matchsticks. Place in a small bowl and pour in cold water to cover; set aside.

• Whisk maple syrup, soy sauce, miso, sesame oil, 1 tsp. red pepper flakes, remaining 2 Tbsp. vinegar, and ¼ cup water in a small bowl. Set glaze aside.

• Heat remaining 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Slice or tear sweet potatoes into 2" pieces; cook, turning, until deeply browned on several sides, 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and add reserved glaze (it may spatter a bit). Set over medium heat; cook, spooning glaze over, until thick enough to coat a spoon, about 1 minute.

• Scrape sweet potatoes and glaze onto a platter. Drain scallions; pat dry. Toss two thirds into lentils; spoon around potatoes. Top with nuts, remaining scallions, and more red pepper flakes.