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high-protein sweet potato boats

we love a good veggie boat around here
serves 4

Ingredients

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes (10 to 12 ounces each)
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • freshly-ground black pepper
  • 1 (15.5-ounce) can black or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese (I always use Good Culture)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, plus more for serving
  • 1 teaspoon each ground cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder
  • 4 ounces cheddar, pepper jack, or monterey jack cheese, grated (1 cup), divided
  • hot sauce, if desired
  • diced avocado, lime wedges, and roasted pepitas, for serving

Instructions

  • Heat the oven to 425°F. Slice the potatoes in half lengthwise, rub with oil, and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and several grinds pepper. Place cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast until very tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together the beans, cottage cheese, cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, half of the grated cheese, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, several grinds pepper, and a few dashes of hot sauce (if using).
  • Let the potatoes cool slightly, then scoop out the flesh and transfer to the bowl. Stir to combine and season with more salt to taste.
  • Increase the oven to broil. Sprinkle half of the remaining cheese into the sweet potato skins and broil until the cheese is melted and the skins are crispy, about 2 minutes.
  • Divide the sweet potato-bean mixture between the boats (you won’t use it all — use leftovers for quesadillas!) and top with the remaining cheese. Broil until the filling is warmed through and the cheese is melted, 2 to 4 minutes.
  • Top with avocado, cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, pepitas, and more hot sauce.