Crispy Sweet Potato and Lentil Salad

This Crispy Sweet Potato and Lentil Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of lentils with the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes. Perfect for a healthy midnight snack, it's both satisfying and light, making it a delightful choice for any time of day.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes - 300 grams, diced
• Green or brown lentils - 100 grams, rinsed
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Red onion - 1 small, diced
• Spinach - 100 grams, fresh
• Cherry tomatoes - 150 grams, halved
• Cumin powder - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Feta cheese - 50 grams, crumbled (optional)
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Spread them out on a baking sheet.
3. Roast the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until crispy and golden, stirring halfway through.
4. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, cook the lentils. In a pot, combine the rinsed lentils with 300 ml of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
5. In a skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced red onion, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in the cooked lentils and cherry tomatoes, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Once the sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Combine them with the lentil mixture in a large bowl.
8. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss gently to combine. If desired, top with crumbled feta cheese and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 15 mg
• Total Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Rich in vitamins A and C from sweet potatoes, supporting immune function.
• Packed with plant-based protein from lentils, aiding in muscle repair and growth.

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