How to Create Savory Sweet Potato and Spinach Bites: A Simple Guide
Looking for a healthy, tasty snack that you can munch on any time? Sweet Potato and Spinach Bites might just be what you need! These small yet flavorful snacks are not only delicious but are also packed with nutrients. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started on creating these savory delights.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg (for binding)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: a pinch of nutmeg for added flavor
- Olive oil for cooking
Tools:
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper (for lining the tray)
- Large mixing bowl
- Frying pan
- Oven pre-heated to 375°F (190°C)
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
The first step is to cook your sweet potatoes. You can either bake or boil them until they’re tender. For baking, prick the sweet potatoes with a fork, wrap them in foil, and bake in the pre-heated oven for about 45 minutes. If you prefer boiling, peel and cut the sweet potatoes into chunks, then boil them in water until they’re soft (about 15-20 minutes).
Once cooked, let them cool down a bit, then mash them in a large mixing bowl. Aim for a smooth texture without any big lumps.
Step 2: Prepare the Spinach and Other Ingredients
While your sweet potatoes are cooling down, you can prepare the spinach. Rinse the spinach leaves and then cook them lightly in a frying pan with a bit of olive oil, just until they wilt. This shouldn’t take more than 2-3 minutes. Afterwards, chop the spinach finely.
In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed, and sauté the minced garlic and chopped onions until they’re soft and fragrant. This brings out their flavors, which will add depth to your sweet potato bites.
Step 3: Mix It Up
Now, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sautéed onions, garlic, chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and the egg in the large mixing bowl you used earlier. Season with salt, pepper, and if you’re using it, a pinch of nutmeg. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This is your bite mixture.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Line your baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking. With clean hands, take a small portion of your mixture and shape it into a bite-sized ball or a small patty. Place it on the lined tray. Repeat this process until all your mixture is used up.
Brush the tops of your bites lightly with olive oil to help them get that beautiful golden color in the oven. Then, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re crispy on the outside.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Once your Sweet Potato and Spinach Bites are golden and crispy, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. These bites can be enjoyed on their own, or with a dipping sauce of your choice. They make a great snack, a tasty side dish, or even a healthy addition to your lunchbox.
Tips and Variations:
- Add More Veggies: Don’t shy away from adding other vegetables like grated carrots or zucchini into the mix for an extra nutrient boost.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding in some chili flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese and substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
- Make Ahead: These sweet potato and spinach bites freeze well, so you can make a large batch and just reheat them whenever you need a quick snack or side.
And there you have it – a simple way to whip up some savory Sweet Potato and Spinach Bites. These little delights are not just treats for your taste buds but also pack a punch of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. So next time you’re looking for something wholesome to snack on, give these bites a try – they might just become your new favorite. Happy cooking!