I’ve been fully plant-based for almost 7 years now, and this is the sort of delicious meal I come back to again and again as a nutritionist. It’s so easy to put together; I usually have most of the ingredients on hand, and it’s nutritionally balanced! What more could you need?
The sweet potatoes are cooked until soft and slightly caramelized and topped with a protein-rich lentil tabbouleh. The hummus dressing is so creamy, and the pumpkin seeds add a lovely crunch. It only requires 15 minutes of actual prep, with the oven doing most of the work, and results in minimal dishes, making it perfect for a weeknight. With its hint of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, this is an absolute crowd-pleaser!
Why This Recipe Works
- Easy to prepare with easily accessible ingredients and steps.
- Nutrient-dense, packed with vitamins, fiber (22 g), and protein (24 g). Combining 11 unique plants, it’s also a feast for your microbiome!
- Perfectly balanced flavors, from sweet and savory to slightly tangy, with the deliciously creamy hummus dressing.
- Allergen-friendly: vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free to cater to different dietary needs or preferences.
Ingredient Notes
- Sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of fiber, vitamins C and A and minerals. They add a natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory lentils. For a variation, try purple sweet potatoes!
- Lentils provide a high-protein base, making this bowl filling and satisfying. Feel free to substitute with chickpeas or cannellini beans if preferred.
- Hummus and lemon juice dressing adds creaminess and a zesty flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the bowl. This might be one of the most effortless dressings we’ve made!
- Sumac, with its tangy, lemony flavor, makes a lovely sprinkle. It can be substituted with dukkah, sweet paprika, or chili powder for a quick.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven for the sweet potatoes, ensuring they cook to perfection. Prepare the sweet potatoes and put them face down on a baking sheet in the oven. As they bake, mix together the lentils, vegetables, and fresh herbs for the tabbouleh. Whisk the dressing ingredients in a jar, adjusting the consistency with water as needed. Once baked, assemble by topping the sweet potatoes with the tabbouleh, drizzling with dressing, and finishing with sumac and pumpkin seeds.
Variations and Tips
- To switch things up, add roasted chickpeas for extra crunch and protein.
- For a low-carb option, substitute sweet potatoes with roasted cauliflower steaks.
- To make this dish ahead of time, prep the components separately and assemble before serving.
- Remember, the dressing can be customized to your liking—play around with the amount of lemon juice and agave syrup to find your perfect balance.
- Swap the green onions for finely chopped red onions for a stronger flavor.
- Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a robust flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Sweet Potato Tabbouleh Bowl
- Delicious
- Nutritious
- Satisfying
- Quick Dinner
- Mediterranean flavors
Roasted Sweet Potato Tabbouleh Bowl
Video
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (approx 550g)
- 1.5 cups cooked lentils
- ⅔ cup tomatoes (finely chopped)
- 1 small cucumber (finely diced)
- 2 green onions (finely chopped (scallions))
- 1 garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup mint (chopped)
- ¼ cup flat parsley (chopped)
- salt and pepper
- ¼ tsp sumac
- 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
Sauce
- ¼ cup hummus
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp agave syrup
- water (to thin to desired consistency (optional))
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 °F. Slice the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise.
- Place the sweet potatoes face down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 45 minutes until tender.
- While the potatoes are baking, prepare the filling. Mix together the lentils, tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, garlic, mint, parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a small jar, whisk together the hummus, lemon juice, and agave syrup. Add a little bit of water if necessary to thin the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- Once the sweet potatoes are baked, flip them over and gently mash the insides with a fork.
- Top the sweet potatoes with the lentil tabbouleh. Drizzle generously with the hummus dressing. Sprinkle with sumac and pumpkin seeds, and enjoy!
Per Serving
FAQ
This recipe is naturally nut-free.
Absolutely, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep all the components separated until ready to serve.
Yes, canned lentils are a great time-saver. Just rinse and drain them well before use.
Add a sprinkle of hemp seeds or a side of our Herby Lemon Tofu for an extra protein boost.
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
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