Discover the delicious world of sweet potato toasts! A tasty and nutritious option that exceeds traditional lower-quality bread. From being a nutritional powerhouse to providing alternatives for various diets, sweet potato can be a versatile and health-enhancing addition to your meals. Let's delve into the reasons that make sweet potato toasts a worthy addition to a nourishing diet:
Nutritional Powerhouse: Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants that safeguard healthy cells. With anti-inflammatory properties and gut-friendly fibre, they contain both soluble and insoluble fibre forms, aiding in cholesterol reduction, blood sugar regulation, and bowel health. Their abundance of beta carotene, responsible for their vibrant colour, converts into essential vitamin A, vital for immune strength and eye health.
Healthier Alternative: Looking to cut back on your bread consumption? Sweet potato toasts provide a satisfying and health-conscious option.
Naturally Gluten-Free Option: Whether you're following a gluten-free diet or simply exploring diverse dietary options, these toasts provide an appetising way to cater to your preferences.
Low Residue (Low Fibre) Diet Friendly: Adaptable to different dietary needs, sweet potato toasts can be tailored for low-residue diets. By peeling before cooking, they introduce vibrant colour and nutrition into what can seem like a restricted and somewhat ‘beige’ eating plan. Try sweet potato hash browns for another delicious alternative!
Difficulty Swallowing? For those challenged by bread's texture, a simple adjustment may make all the difference. Peel the sweet potatoes before cooking and allow them a bit more time in the oven for a softer, more manageable texture.
Versatile Toppings: Sweet potato toasts provide an ideal canvas for a diverse array of toppings, catering to both sweet and savoury tastes! Try creative combinations that align with your preferences and dietary goals.
Anytime Nourishment: They make for yummy meals or convenient snacks at any time of day.
Ingredients
1 sweet potato
Olive oil (optional)
Method
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius (180 degrees in a fan oven) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to help prevent sticking.
Slice the potato approximately 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick using a sharp knife or mandolin. Cut lengthwise if you prefer longer, more toast-like pieces or crosswise for smaller rounds.
Arrange the slices in a single layer on the baking sheet. You can drizzle with a little olive oil if you wish.
Bake for 15 minutes and then turn the slices over and cook for another 15 minutes. Thicker slices may require a bit more time.
Place your favourite toppings on and you’re ready to go!
You can store any leftover sweet potato slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Then reheat them whenever you want to enjoy them.
Topping ideas
· Smashed avocado, poached or scrambled egg, and a sprinkle of chilli flakes.
· Cottage cheese or ricotta cheese with fresh berries or sliced peaches.
· Greek yoghurt and stewed fruit with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
· Any nut or seed butter and sliced/grated apple or sliced banana.
· Crème fraiche, sauteed mushrooms and chopped flat leaf parsley.
· Hummus and roasted red pepper.
· Spinach and feta - sauté spinach with garlic until wilted and spread it over the sweet potato toast. Crumble feta cheese on top.
· Tuna salad with cucumber and dill - mix canned tuna with diced cucumber and chopped dill.
· Salsa and black beans - top with a spoonful of your favourite salsa and a scoop of black beans for a Mexican-inspired twist.
· Ratatouille-inspired - spread a spoonful of ratatouille on the toast and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
· Pesto and cherry tomatoes - spread a thin layer of pesto on the toast and arrange halved cherry tomatoes on top. Finish with a sprinkle of pine nuts.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas in any way you like!