Spice Market Sweet Potato and Lentil Packets
Transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of a spice market with these aromatic Spice Market Sweet Potato and Lentil Packets. This vibrant, plant-based recipe combines tender cubes of roasted sweet potato with protein-packed lentils, infused with a warm medley of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon. Fresh spinach and a drizzle of zesty lemon juice add brightness to each packet, while the sealed foil cooking method ensures a no-mess, perfectly steamed dish bursting with flavor. Quick to prep and oven-baked to perfection, these foil packets are an easy, wholesome option for a nourishing weeknight meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a fragrant finishing touch, and serve right out of the packet for a fun, stress-free dining experience! Perfect for those seeking healthy, meal-prep-friendly recipes loaded with bold spices and comforting ingredients.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 medium (about 1 lb total) sweet potato
- 0.75 cup, dry brown or green lentils
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 cups, firmly packed fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) salt
- 0.5 teaspoon (adjust to taste) black pepper
- 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional for garnish) fresh cilantro
- 4 sheets, about 12 inches each aluminum foil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water. In a small saucepan, combine the lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. The lentils should be partially cooked but still firm. Drain any excess liquid.
While the lentils are cooking, peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1/2-inch cubes.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, smoked paprika, cinnamon, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Add the sweet potatoes and partially cooked lentils to the bowl. Toss until everything is evenly coated with the spice mixture.
Lay out the 4 sheets of aluminum foil on a flat surface. Evenly divide the sweet potato and lentil mixture among the sheets of foil, placing the mixture in the center of each sheet.
Top each packet with 1/2 cup of fresh spinach and a drizzle of lemon juice.
Fold the foil over the mixture, sealing the edges tightly to create a packet. Be sure to leave a little room inside for steam to circulate.
Place the packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Carefully open the packets (watch out for steam!) and sprinkle with chopped cilantro, if desired, before serving.
Serve the packets directly on plates for a fun, no-mess presentation. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1798 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 87.2 g | 112% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.8 g | 89% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 17.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 27 mg | 9% | |
| Sodium | 5239 mg | 228% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 225.1 g | 82% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 44.2 g | 158% | |
| Total Sugars | 60.3 g | ||
| Protein | 37.5 g | 75% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 474 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 20.5 mg | 114% | |
| Potassium | 3673 mg | 78% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
