Moroccan stuffed sweet potato: A step-by-step recipe
Moroccan cuisine, celebrated for its vibrant flavors and inventive use of spices and vegetables, offers the vegetarian and eggless Moroccan stuffed sweet potato. This dish stands out for its delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and savory elements, providing a nutritious meal that brings a piece of Moroccan culinary tradition to your table. With no further ado, let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
To prepare this dish, you will need four medium-sized sweet potatoes, one tablespoon of olive oil, one diced onion, two minced garlic cloves, one teaspoon of ground cumin, half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, one can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed), one cup of diced tomatoes (fresh or canned), a quarter cup of raisins, salt, pepper to taste, and fresh cilantro for garnish.
Prepare the sweet potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and prick them several times with a fork. Then, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until they are tender all the way through. This crucial step forms the foundational base of our dish.
Saute the filling
While the sweet potatoes bake, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauteing until soft. Mix in cumin and cinnamon, cooking for a minute to release aromas. Combine chickpeas, tomatoes with juice, and raisins in the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer on low for about 15 minutes until well combined.
Stuffing sweet potatoes
Once the sweet potatoes are baked to tender perfection and the filling is ready, carefully slice each potato lengthwise down the center, ensuring not to cut all the way through. Gently use a spoon to slightly mash the inside of each potato, creating ample space for the filling. Then, generously stuff them with the prepared filling mixture, ensuring a good distribution within each potato.
Final touches
Garnish each stuffed sweet potato with fresh cilantro leaves before serving. This can be done warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature, depending on preference. This garnishing step not only introduces a burst of freshness but also elevates the dish's flavor and visual appeal, making it a nutritious and satisfying addition to your table without needing meat or eggs.