Better Smoky Lentil Stuffed Sweet Potato

Better Smoky Lentil Stuffed Sweet Potato

Thank you to Jamie Vespa MS, RD of DishingOutHealth.com for this super satisfying better nutrition pit stop. Lentils are an awesome plant protein source! If you are interested in learning more about plant protein sources, check out the Better Plant-Based Nutrition™ Program.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course dinner, entree
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes
  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 shallot minced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • cups water
  • ¼ cup roughly chopped walnuts
  • Optional toppings: fresh cilantro leaves Greek yogurt (or coconut milk yogurt if making vegan), and sliced avocado

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450°F. Poke each sweet potato a few times with the prongs of a fork. Wrap each potato in foil. Place on center oven rack and bake for 60 to 80 minutes, until fork tender.
  • While potatoes bake, heat oil in a large skillet with a fitted lid over medium heat. Add shallot; cook 2 to 3 minutes, until softened. Add garlic; cook 1 minute, until aromatic. Add tomato paste and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute, stirring often. Stir in smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and lentils; cook 1 minute, stirring to coat lentils. Add broth and water, bring mixture to a simmer over medium-high. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook 20 to 22 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. Stir in chopped walnuts.
  • Slice sweet potatoes down the center, lengthwise. Fill evenly with lentil mixture. Garnish with fresh cilantro, yogurt, and avocado, if desired.
Keyword plant-based, protein, sweet potato, vegetarian