Style for a weeknight Crispy Sweet Potato Tacos with Lime Crema from Chipotle. Sweet potatoes with a blend of spicy chipotle chile. After that, they were placed inside hard shell tacos, covered with cheese, and baked in the oven. The inside of these tacos is cheesy and spicy, while the outside is crispy. Accompany each taco with avocado, peppery cilantro, and a refreshing, creamy lime crema sauce. These are incredibly tasty and simple to prepare.The ideal vegetarian and naturally gluten-free midweek supper.
Tacos are undoubtedly one of the most popular supper requests in my household. My dad used to cook them at least once or twice a week, and we have enjoyed them since we were young. We somehow never got tired of them, even when they were just meat tacos.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
▢ Two teaspoons of extra virgin oil
▢ Two diced medium sweet potatoes
Two teaspoons of ordinary chili powder or chipotle
▢ Two tablespoons of paprika smoked
One and a half tablespoons of cumin
One teaspoon of powdered garlic
To taste, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper.
Half a teaspoon of dehydrated oregano
One kosher salt teaspoon
One chopped and seeded poblano pepper
One cup of drained canned black beans
▢8 hard shell tacos without grains (if preferred) (For a DIY option, see notes.)
▢1 1/2 cups of Mexican cheese, shredded
One cup of freshly chopped cilantro
If desired, seed and slice one jalapeño.
▢ Mash the avocado to serve
Crema with Salted Lime
Half a cup of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
▢ Three tablespoons mayo
One lime’s zest
Sea salt
Directions
1. Set the oven’s temperature to 425° F.
2. Put the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and mix them with salt, red pepper flakes, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, oregano, and olive oil. Toss to incorporate the poblano. Put on a level layer. Bake the potatoes for 35 to 40 minutes, or until they are soft and starting to get charred around the edges. Take out of the oven, then add the black beans and stir.
3. Prepare the crema in the interim. In a glass jar, combine all the ingredients and shake or whisk until smooth.
4. Line the taco shells up on a sheet pan or in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Transfer to the oven and bake 5 minutes. Evenly divide the sweet potatoes among each taco shell and top with cheese. Bake 10 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
5. Mix the cilantro and jalapeño in a small bowl. Serve the tacos topped with crema, avocado, and the spicy cilantro. Enjoy!
Notes
For Simple DIY Hard Shells: Microwave 8–12 corn tortillas until they are flexible, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Coat the tortillas in olive oil on a baking pan. After flattening each tortilla, evenly distribute the cheese and potatoes on top. Gently press the other tortilla half over the contents to ensure it adheres (see photo above). Place in the oven and bake for 5 to 8 minutes, then turn and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the tortillas are crisp and the cheese has melted.
Nutrient Information of Crispy Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos
Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients, and when combined with the right toppings and spices, they create a nutrient-dense, tasty taco. Below is a detailed nutrient table for a typical serving of Crispy Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos (two tacos):
| Ingredient | Nutritional Value (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Sweet Potato (1 medium) | – 103 calories, 2g protein, 0g fat, 24g carbohydrates, 4g fiber, 7g sugar. Rich in vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, potassium, and manganese, all of which support immune health, skin health, and overall vitality. |
| Taco Shell (2 small) | – 140 calories, 3g protein, 6g fat, 18g carbohydrates, 3g fiber. Opt for soft corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, or choose whole-wheat tortillas for added fiber and nutrients. |
| Chipotle Seasoning (1 tsp) | – 5 calories, 0g fat, 1g carbohydrates, 1g protein. Chipotle adds a smoky, spicy flavor without adding significant calories, while also contributing antioxidants. |
| Black Beans (1/4 cup) | – 60 calories, 4g protein, 0g fat, 10g carbohydrates, 4g fiber. A great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium. |
| Avocado (1/4 medium) | – 60 calories, 1g protein, 5g fat, 3g carbohydrates, 2g fiber. Packed with heart-healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins E, K, and B6. Avocado provides creaminess and additional nutrients. |
| Cilantro (1 tbsp) | – 1 calorie, 0g fat, 0g protein, 0g carbohydrates. Cilantro adds freshness and trace nutrients like vitamin K, A, and antioxidants, while being virtually calorie-free. |
| Lime (1 wedge) | – 3 calories, 0g fat, 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates. A squeeze of lime provides vitamin C and brightens the flavor of the tacos. |
| Sour Cream (optional, 1 tbsp) | – 30 calories, 1.5g fat, 1g protein, 1g carbohydrates. Adds richness and creaminess, but can be omitted or substituted with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. |
Health Advantages of Crunchy Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos
These tacos not only please your palate but also provide numerous essential health advantages:
Abundant in Fiber for Digestive Wellness
Sweet potatoes, black beans, and avocado serve as fantastic sources of fiber. Fiber promotes digestion, aids in regulating blood sugar, and helps you feel satiated for a longer time. Thus, these tacos make an excellent choice for those aiming to enhance digestion and encourage effective weight management.
Loaded with Vitamins and Antioxidants
Sweet potatoes are exceptionally rich in vitamin A, which supports both healthy vision and immune function. The chipotle spice and cilantro offer antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and inflammation. Moreover, lime and avocado add vitamin C and beneficial fats that boost skin health and overall well-being.
Heart-Friendly Fats
The inclusion of avocado contributes heart-friendly monounsaturated fats, which assist in lowering bad cholesterol levels and promoting cardiovascular health. Combined with the fiber from sweet potatoes and black beans, these tacos are a heart-wise meal option.
Plant-Based Protein Source
Black beans serve as a fantastic source of plant-derived protein. Protein is vital for muscle recovery, immune support, and feeling full. If you are maintaining a plant-based or vegetarian diet, these tacos deliver a satisfying and well-rounded protein source.
Low Glycemic Impact
Sweet potatoes possess a relatively low glycemic index (GI), meaning they release sugars slowly into the bloodstream, which helps sustain stable blood sugar levels. This makes these tacos an excellent choice for individuals looking to control blood sugar or those with diabetes.
Cooking Guidelines for Ideal Crunchy Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos
Crafting the ideal crunchy chipotle sweet potato tacos requires a few crucial steps to ensure your sweet potatoes are roasted to perfection, your flavors are harmonious, and the texture is just right. Here are some expert cooking suggestions:
1. Roast Sweet Potatoes Flawlessly
Cut into cubes: Dice your sweet potatoes into small, uniform cubes to guarantee even cooking.
Toss with oil and spices: Coat the sweet potato cubes with a drizzle of olive oil, chipotle seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This will help them achieve crispiness in the oven while infusing smoky flavor.
Roast at higher temperatures: Roast the sweet potatoes at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they crisp uniformly on all sides. The elevated temperature aids in achieving a crunchy exterior while keeping the inside soft.
2. Choose Corn or Whole Wheat Tortillas
For a gluten-free selection, opt for soft corn tortillas, which add a hint of extra flavor. If you lean towards whole wheat, that’s also a superb option, as it enhances the fiber and nutrient content. Warm your tortillas by lightly heating them in a dry skillet or wrapping them in a damp towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
3. Simplify Taco Assembly
Layer with toppings: Begin with the crunchy chipotle sweet potatoes as the foundation. Add black beans for protein, followed by creamy avocado slices, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt: For additional creaminess, toss in a small spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt. If you want a lighter option, Greek yogurt serves as an excellent alternative.
4. Don’t Overlook the Lime!
A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving is essential. It brightens flavors, balances the richness of the avocado, and amplifies the smoky nuances of the chipotle seasoning.
5. Personalize Your Toppings
While cilantro and lime are essential, feel free to get inventive with extra toppings. Experiment with pickled red onions, jalapeños for extra spice, or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco for a creamy touch. The possibilities are boundless!
6. Meal Prep Tip
If you’re preparing these tacos for meal planning, roast the sweet potatoes and prepare the black beans beforehand. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble your tacos just before serving for the freshest experience.
Conclusion
Crispy Chipotle Sweet Potato Tacos present a flavorful, nutritious, and gratifying meal you can feel positive about. With nutrient-dense ingredients like sweet potatoes, black beans, and avocado, these tacos provide abundant fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and plant-derived protein. Whether enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as part of a larger feast, these tacos are an excellent choice for anyone seeking to eat healthier without compromising flavor.
