Name: Baked Mediterranean Sweet Potatoes with Chickpeas and Tahini Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 small to medium sweet potatoes, sliced in half lengthwise; Olive oil, for rubbing; Salt and pepper, to taste; 19 oz can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp cumin; 2 tsp garlic powder; 2 tsp onion powder; 2 tsp thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1/4 cup red onion, diced; 2 tsp lemon zest; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup tahini; 1/4 cup warm water (plus more to adjust consistency); 2 cloves garlic, crushed or grated; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp chili flakes; Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredients

4 small to medium sweet potatoes (sliced in half lengthwise)

19 oz can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)

1.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp cumin

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp onion powder

2 tsp thyme

Salt and pepper

2 cups cherry tomatoes (quartered)

2 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)

1/4 cup red onion (diced)

2 tsp lemon zest

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic (minced or crushed)

Salt and pepper

1/4 cup tahini

1/4 cup warm water (plus more to adjust consistency)

2 cloves garlic (crushed or grated)

2 tbsp lemon juice

1/4 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp chili flakes

Salt and pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Step 2: Slice the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Rub the cut sides with a small amount of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. For easier cleanup, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil (optional).

Step 3: Place the sweet potatoes cut side-down on the baking sheet. Bake on the middle rack for 25-30 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork and browned around the edges. Cooking time may vary based on size.

Step 4: In a bowl, combine the chickpeas, 1.5 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 5: Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer on a separate baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix the cherry tomatoes, parsley, red onion, lemon zest, 1 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside to marinate.

Step 7: Prepare the tahini dressing by whisking together tahini, warm water, crushed garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. Add extra water a tablespoon at a time until your desired consistency is reached.

Step 8: Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, remove from the oven and flip them over. Use a fork to fluff the inside flesh gently.

Step 9: Serve the sweet potatoes topped with roasted chickpeas and marinated tomatoes. Drizzle generously with tahini dressing. Add optional toppings like green onions, hot sauce, or avocado if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili flakes on the sweet potatoes before roasting.

Try swapping chickpeas for roasted white beans or lentils for a different texture.

Use fresh herbs like cilantro or mint instead of parsley to change the flavor profile.

If tahini is too thick, thin it with warm water gradually until smooth and pourable.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute regular potatoes, though cooking times may vary and the flavor will differ. Sweet potatoes provide a natural sweetness that complements the spices beautifully.