Smoky Sweet Potato Tacos with Maple Cream
Tacos.
I have a deep affection for all of the Mexican food. Enchiladas, taquitos, burritos, quesadillas, anything boasting queso fresco--- I love it all.
Also margaritas. Let's not forget the margaritas. On the rocks. With salt. Thanks.
But tacos definitely, definitely, DEFINITELY top that list.
Tacos are awesome because they are so completely versatile. You can put anything in them! My boys are partial to the ground beef + cheese + lettuce variety. And actually-- I am, too. Sometimes.
I'm actually pretty fickle about ground beef. (I really only like to buy it from a local vendor at the farmer's market. For reasons why look HERE)
So I put all kinds of other things in the tacos. And since this week is all about things I love, these tacos got dressed up with sweet potatoes. Oh I love sweet potatoes.
These tacos are smoky, spicy and sweet. The quinoa makes them protein-rich and super filling. It also holds a ton of flavor in the seasoning.
About a month ago I was gifted the most amazing jug of natural maple syrup, tapped by the father of a friend. I knew I needed to find a few recipes that would make it shine and this maple cream sauce is IT. The sweet balances the spice and the Greek yogurt really lends a creamy coolness to that crunch of jalapeno heat.
This recipe is so simple-- it comes together really quickly and I was completely in love with the results.
Smoky Sweet Potato Tacos with Maple Cream. Do this!!
Also-- if this recipe seems weird for you, please please please just trust. It is delicious. I promise I wouldn't steer you wrong!
- For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 medium - large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika if you can find it!)
- For the Quinoa:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup dry quinoa
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (about 2 cups cooked)
- ½ cup frozen corn
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked!)
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 sprigs chopped fresh oregano (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- salt to taste
- ⅓ cup broth (vegetable or chicken)
- For the Maple Cream
- ⅓ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Tacos
- 8 flour tortillas
- sliced jalapenos
- diced avocado
- fresh cilantro
- Pre-heat the oven to 375. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (you CAN lay the sweet potato pieces directly on the baking sheet, but the parchment paper helps them to crisp more without getting too dark).
- Toss the sliced sweet potatoes with the 2 tablespoons olive oil and lay them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle them with the kosher salt and paprika and bake for about 25 minutes, turning them over with a spatula halfway through.
- While the potatoes roast, heat the 2 teaspoons olive oil in a medium saucepan. Add the onions and cook them for about 2 minutes, until they begin to soften. Pour in the water and bring it to a boil.
- Add the quinoa to the boiling water, cover, reduce the heat, and cook until most of the liquid is absorbed.Stir in the black beans, corn, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt (optional) and broth. Re-cover and cook until all the liquid is absorbed.
- Mix together the Greek yogurt and maple syrup.
- Assemble the tacos. Stuff each with the quinoa blend, sweet potatoes, jalapenos, and avocado. Top with the maple cream and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro
More Food I Love...
Tequila Lime Cheesecake with Strawberry Margarita Topping
Roasted Cilantro Chicken Tacos with Black Bean Salad
Sweet Potato Black Bean Quesadillas
Delish! I added cayanne because we like it hot.
Meat-loving man says, "I really liked them! Plenty of flavors, plenty of textures. It's a winner!"
Embrace the maple cream, folks!
Yeahhh! thanks so much Sara!
And the maple cream! So glad you tried it. I think no one believes me when I say it's awesome. We like it hot too -- cayenne was a great idea! Have a super weekend!
I made these yesterday! Wow! They were so incredibly delicious. Thank you for this recipe. I've been telling all my friends to check this out. I ended up with smoky Paprika Quinoa because Marshall's was selling Pereg brand Quinoa in a box. Smoky Paprika is definately different, but in a good way.
Thanks so much Alysha!!! Smoky Paprika is DEFINITELY different -- I'm so glad you liked these!!
I'm on board for anything Mexican! I'd take a couple of these and 4 margaritas please! 🙂
We are totally on the same margarita page.
Yum! Get in my belly! I'm hooked on sweet potatoes. I haven't had my fill. Love this for meatless Monday!
We can get them at our farmer's market year-round and they are HUGE. I have one farmer I really like to but from and his sweet potatoes are about 3-4 pounds each and super delicious. That's what I used here 🙂
What a great idea... With all those hearty and wonderful ingredients no one would miss the ground beef.. That maple cream must be amazing...
It is! I totally promise 🙂
This is a super hearty veggie option
This is a fabulous idea! I've been eating sweet potatoes once a week, I'm totally making this. Not sure about the maple, maybe I'll try a cilantro cream instead. 🙂
Please please please try the maple cream! I promise it's delicious. I have a sweet potato burger recipe coming up soon that calls for it, too!
But cilantro-- ohh cilantro is always a winner!
I imagine the sweetness of the maple works well with the smoky cumin, but the Husband hates maple! My dinner's are heavily influenced by him 🙂