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Breakfast Sweet Potato Boats


  • Author: Bianca

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium to large sweet potatoes (about 1012 ounces each, choose ones that are relatively uniform in shape for even cooking and a good “boat” structure)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil (for coating the sweet potatoes, helps the skin crisp up and prevents sticking)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste (for seasoning the sweet potatoes and the fillings)
  • 4 large eggs (the star protein, to be nestled into our sweet potato boats)
  • Optional Fillings & Toppings:
    • 1/2 cup cooked black beans, rinsed and drained (adds plant-based protein and fiber)
    • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese (for a salty, creamy kick)
    • 1 ripe avocado, sliced or diced (provides healthy fats and a creamy texture)
    • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (for a burst of freshness and color)
    • 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning (adds a fantastic savory crunch and flavor)
    • A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce (for those who like a little heat)
    • 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage (for a savory, meaty addition)
    • 1/2 cup sautéed spinach or kale (to sneak in some greens)
    • A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream (for a cool, tangy counterpoint)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
    • Scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
    • Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing them from exploding.
    • Rub the sweet potatoes all over with the olive oil (or avocado oil), then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
    • Place the sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet.
  2. Bake the Sweet Potatoes (First Bake):
    • Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender all the way through when pierced with a knife. The exact time will depend on the size of your sweet potatoes. Larger potatoes will take longer. They should be soft enough to easily scoop out the flesh.
  3. Create the “Boats”:
    • Once tender, carefully remove the sweet potatoes from the oven. Let them cool for about 5-10 minutes, or until they are cool enough to handle.
    • Slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise.
    • Using a spoon, gently scoop out the flesh from the center of each half, leaving about a 1/4 to 1/2-inch border around the skin to create a “boat” or “well.” Be careful not to tear the skin.
    • You can reserve the scooped-out sweet potato flesh for another use (like mashing, adding to smoothies, or making sweet potato pancakes) or you can lightly mash it and incorporate it back into the boat with other fillings if desired. For this recipe, we primarily want to make space for the egg.
  4. Add the Eggs and Fillings (Optional First Layer):
    • If you’re using fillings like cooked black beans, sautéed spinach, or crumbled bacon/sausage, you can place a small layer of these at the bottom of each sweet potato boat now. This creates a bed for the egg.
    • Carefully crack one egg into the well of each sweet potato half. If the well isn’t quite large enough, you can scoop out a little more sweet potato flesh, or let a tiny bit of the egg white overflow (it will cook up fine).
    • Season the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. Bake the Sweet Potato Boats (Second Bake):
    • Return the sweet potato boats to the oven.
    • Bake for another 12-20 minutes, or until the egg whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your preference. For runny yolks, aim for the shorter end of the baking time (around 12-15 minutes). For firmer yolks, bake closer to 18-20 minutes. Keep a close eye on them.
  6. Add Toppings and Serve:
    • Carefully remove the breakfast sweet potato boats from the oven.
    • Now, it’s time to garnish! Add your chosen toppings: sliced or diced avocado, crumbled feta or goat cheese, chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, and a dash of hot sauce if desired.
    • Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your delicious and nutritious breakfast!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 350