Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Introduction

I first stumbled upon the idea of stuffing sweet potatoes with a creamy mushroom and spinach mixture during a busy week when I was craving something hearty but light. After trying out this recipe, I was immediately hooked—and so was my family! The combination of savory mushrooms, fresh spinach, and creamy tahini was a hit, and even the kids—who aren’t usually keen on mushrooms—loved it. The sweet potatoes provide a wonderful natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory filling, making it a perfect comfort food dish that’s also packed with nutrients. We made it a couple of times, and each time, it got better. It’s now a family favorite that I look forward to making for meal prep or a quick, nourishing dinner!

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Why You’ll Love Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

This recipe is perfect for those who want a healthy, filling meal that’s also incredibly easy to make. The best part? It’s both vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. Here’s why you’ll love it:

1. Nutrient-Packed: Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, while mushrooms provide a boost of antioxidants and B-vitamins. Spinach adds iron and folate, making this dish both delicious and nourishing.
2. Comforting Yet Light: The creamy tahini and sautéed mushrooms create a savory filling, while the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes keeps it light and satisfying without feeling overly heavy.
3. Quick and Easy: With only a handful of ingredients, this recipe is simple to prepare and can be ready in under an hour.
4. Customizable: You can add other vegetables or seasonings to suit your tastes. Feel free to get creative with this recipe!
5. Perfect for Meal Prep: These stuffed sweet potatoes are great for lunch or dinner, and they store well in the fridge for a few days, making them a fantastic option for meal prep.

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Ingredients

• 2 small sweet potatoes
• 1 small onion, diced
• 200g mushrooms, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 60g spinach
• 1 heaped tbsp tahini
• 1 tsp nutritional yeast
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Juice of ½ a small lemon
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly, then carefully pierce them a few times with a knife to allow steam to escape.
3. Place the sweet potatoes on the prepared tray and bake for 40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and soft when pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. While the sweet potatoes are baking, heat a dash of water or olive oil in a frypan over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, sliced mushrooms, and crushed garlic to the pan. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms have released their juices and are slightly browned.
3. Stir in the spinach, tahini, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the mixture becomes creamy.
4. Add the lemon juice and cayenne pepper (if using) for an extra layer of flavor. Stir well to combine.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

1. Remove the baked sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
2. Slice each sweet potato lengthwise and gently fluff the insides with a fork to create a space for the filling.
3. Spoon the creamy mushroom and spinach mixture into the sweet potatoes, ensuring each one is generously stuffed.

Step 4: Serve
Serve the stuffed sweet potatoes warm as a hearty breakfast, lunch, or light dinner.

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Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 2 (1 stuffed sweet potato per serving)
• Calories per serving: 250 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 6g
  • Saturated fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated fat: 5g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Vitamin A: 180% of Daily Value
• Vitamin C: 30% of Daily Value
• Iron: 15% of Daily Value

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Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

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How to Serve

You can serve this dish in a variety of ways depending on your preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• As a Main Dish: Serve one stuffed sweet potato per person as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
• As a Side Dish: Pair with a protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or a side of steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal.
• For Breakfast: Enjoy these stuffed sweet potatoes with a drizzle of extra tahini or a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for a satisfying and nutrient-dense breakfast.
• Meal Prep: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a quick and easy meal.
• Top with Garnishes: Add a dollop of plant-based yogurt, a sprinkle of seeds, or a handful of fresh herbs for extra texture and flavor.

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Additional Tips

1. Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the mushrooms for other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli for a different flavor.
2. Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
3. Add a Protein Boost: To make this dish even more filling, add a scoop of plant-based protein powder or mix in some chickpeas or lentils.
4. Use Other Nut Butters: If you don’t have tahini, try almond butter or cashew butter for a creamy texture.
5. Storage: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain a crispy skin on the sweet potatoes.

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FAQ Section

1. Can I use larger sweet potatoes?
   Yes, you can. Just adjust the cooking time, as larger sweet potatoes will take longer to bake.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Absolutely! Prepare the sweet potatoes and filling in advance and store them separately. When ready to eat, stuff the potatoes and bake them for a few minutes to heat through.
3. Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
   While sweet potatoes provide a naturally sweet flavor that complements the filling, regular potatoes can work as a substitute if preferred.
4. What can I substitute for tahini?
   You can use almond butter, cashew butter, or even a creamy plant-based yogurt if you’re not a fan of tahini.
5. Can I freeze stuffed sweet potatoes?
   Yes! Bake the sweet potatoes and prepare the filling, then freeze them separately. When you’re ready to eat, bake the sweet potatoes, then stuff them with the filling and heat through.
6. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free!
7. Can I use frozen spinach?
   Yes, frozen spinach can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the pan.
8. What can I serve this with?
   You can pair this dish with a fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or a protein like tofu or grilled chicken.
9. Can I add cheese to the filling?
   Yes, if you’re not vegan, feel free to add shredded cheese or a cheese sauce to the filling for extra richness.
10. Is this recipe spicy?
    The recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick if desired.

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Conclusion

Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying dish that combines the sweetness of baked sweet potatoes with a savory, creamy filling. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a comforting lunch, or an impressive meal for guests, this dish fits the bill. It’s simple to prepare, full of vitamins and antioxidants, and can be customized to suit your tastes. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free, making it a perfect choice for a wide variety of dietary needs. Give this recipe a try, and I’m sure it will become a new favorite in your household too!

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