Baked Sweet Potatoes with a Mediterranean Twist
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 medium medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed and halved lengthwise
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- kosher salt and black pepper
For the chickpeas:
- 1 can (15-ounce) can chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp smoke paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of cayenne (optional)
For the topping:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 small cucumber diced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese optional
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley or mint
- green onions
- lime or lemon wedges for serving
For the lemon-tahini sauce
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
- 1-2 tbsp warm water as needed
- salt to taste
Method
Roast the sweet potatoes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Rub the sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place cut-side down. Roast for 40–45 minutes, until tender and caramelized at the edges.
Roast the chickpeas.
- Meanwhile, toss chickpeas with 1 tablespoon olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Spread on a separate pan and roast for 20–25 minutes, shaking once, until golden and crisp.
Make the lemon-tahini sauce.
- Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup (or honey), and salt. Add warm water one spoonful at a time until smooth and pourable.
Assemble and serve.
- Flip the roasted sweet potatoes cut-side up and gently mash the centers with a fork. Pile on the chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Drizzle with lemon-tahini sauce, sprinkle with feta and herbs, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Optional Add-Ins
- Add chopped olives or roasted red peppers for extra flavor
- Swap chickpeas for lentils or grilled chicken for more protein
- Use dairy-free feta or skip the cheese for a vegan version
Helpful Tips
- Meal prep: Roast the potatoes and chickpeas ahead of time; assemble before serving.
- Kid-friendly: Let kids choose their toppings — they’ll love building their own.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat before adding sauce.