Vegan Sweet Potato Tacos with Avocados

These vegan sweet potato tacos are a delicious and nutritious option, enhanced with creamy avocado. The combination of roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and fresh toppings makes for a satisfying meal. Here’s a recipe that incorporates avocados beautifully.

Ingredients

  • For the Tacos:
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into even-sized cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 8-12 corn tortillas
  • For the Avocado Cream:
  • 1 ripe Hass avocado
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or substitute with cashew cream for a vegan option)
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional Toppings:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Chopped green onions
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
    In a large bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on the baking sheet. Roast for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender.
  3. Prepare the Avocado Cream:
    While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the avocado cream. In a food processor, combine the avocado, Greek yogurt (or cashew cream), garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Warm the Tortillas:
    Heat the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 20 seconds on each side until warmed and pliable.
  5. Assemble the Tacos:
    To assemble each taco, spread a generous amount of avocado cream on one half of the tortilla. Add roasted sweet potatoes and black beans on top. Finish with diced tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro if desired.
  6. Serve:
    Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutritional Information (per taco)

  • Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories (varies based on toppings)
  • Protein: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 5g

These tacos are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Enjoy your meal!

Here are some creative ideas and options for sweet potato tacos, including variations from different cultures, ways to make them more filling, and tips for making them kid-friendly.

Variations of Sweet Potato Tacos from Different Cultures

  1. Mexican-Style: Traditional Mexican sweet potato tacos often feature roasted sweet potatoes with black beans, topped with fresh cilantro, onions, and avocado.
  2. Indian-Inspired: Incorporate Indian spices like garam masala and serve with a yogurt sauce or chutney for a flavorful twist.
  3. Mediterranean: Use roasted sweet potatoes with tahini sauce, olives, and feta cheese (or vegan alternatives) for a Mediterranean flair.
  4. Thai-Inspired: Add coconut milk-infused sweet potatoes and top with a spicy peanut sauce and fresh herbs like mint and cilantro.

Making Tacos More Filling

To enhance the heartiness of your sweet potato tacos:

  • Add Protein: Include ingredients like black beans, pinto beans, or lentils to boost protein content.
  • Incorporate Grains: Quinoa or brown rice can be added for extra texture and nutrients.
  • Use Larger Tortillas: Opt for larger tortillas to hold more filling without falling apart.
  • Layering: Create layers of fillings such as roasted sweet potatoes, beans, grains, and toppings to make each taco more substantial.

Using Roasted vs. Steamed Sweet Potatoes

Yes, you can definitely use roasted sweet potatoes instead of steamed ones. Roasting enhances their natural sweetness and adds a delightful caramelized flavor that complements the other ingredients in the tacos.

Vegan Taco Fillings that Pair Well with Sweet Potatoes

  1. Black Beans: A classic pairing that adds protein and fiber.
  2. Refried Beans: Provides a creamy texture and rich flavor.
  3. Corn: Adds sweetness and crunch; consider using grilled corn for added flavor.
  4. Sautéed Vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, or zucchini can add freshness and variety.
  5. Guacamole or Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado balances the sweetness of the potatoes.

Making Tacos More Kid-Friendly

  1. Mild Flavors: Keep spices mild; avoid overly spicy ingredients to cater to children’s palates.
  2. Fun Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes with tortillas or fillings.
  3. Build-Your-Own Tacos: Let kids assemble their own tacos with various toppings to make it interactive.
  4. Add Cheese: Incorporate mild cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar (or vegan cheese) for added appeal.
  5. Colorful Toppings: Use vibrant toppings like diced tomatoes, corn, or colorful bell peppers to make the dish visually appealing.

These suggestions will help you create delicious and versatile sweet potato tacos that cater to various tastes and preferences!

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