Hey fellow foodies!
Are you ready to ditch the boring breakfasts and kickstart your day with a flavor explosion? I'm talking about a dish that's not only incredibly delicious but also packed with nutrients and seriously fun to eat. Let’s dive into a delightful twist on the classic toast - get ready for Zesty Vegan Fiesta Sweet Potato Toasts!
This isn't your average toast. Oh no, we're going big and bold with slices of perfectly grilled sweet potato acting as the base for a vibrant fiesta of flavors. We're talking creamy, dreamy refried black beans, a tangy red tomato salsa that bursts with freshness, and all the toppings your heart desires. It’s a culinary party in your mouth, and everyone's invited!
Why Sweet Potato Toast?
Let’s be honest, sometimes regular toast can get a bit, well, blah. Sweet potato brings a subtle sweetness and a boatload of good stuff like fiber and vitamins. Plus, it's naturally gluten-free, so it's a win-win for everyone. Think of it as a blank canvas for all your favorite flavors, ready to be transformed into something amazing.
The Flavor Fiesta
- Refried Black Beans: These are the star of the show, providing a hearty, comforting base with a touch of smokiness from the paprika. We're mashing them up just a bit to create a perfect, saucy texture.
- Homemade Red Tomato Salsa: Fresh, zesty, and packed with flavor, this salsa is the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the beans. The jalapeno adds a touch of heat that'll wake up your taste buds.
- Creamy Avocado: Because no fiesta is complete without avocado! Its creamy texture and healthy fats are the perfect complement to the other elements of the dish.
- Toasted Seeds: Pepitas and sunflower seeds add a wonderful crunch and a nutty flavor to each bite.
- Pickled Onions: These tangy little gems add a wonderful pop of acidity and color.
- Vegan Sour Cream or Crème Fraiche: A dollop of vegan sour cream adds richness and creaminess, bringing all the flavors together.
- Fresh Coriander: Adds a burst of freshness and brightness.
- Lime Quarters: A squeeze of lime juice just before you dig in elevates the dish with a zesty note.
Let's Get Cooking!
This recipe is super simple and easily customizable. Feel free to experiment with other toppings or spices to make it your own! For example if you are not a fan of sweet potato you can use regular sourdough or gluten free toast instead. You can also use any type of beans you wish. You can make a big batch of the refried beans and salsa ahead of time to have a super-quick and easy breakfast or brunch on hand throughout the week.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potato (or 4 slices of sourdough toast)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 tbsp pepitas/pumpkin seeds, toasted
- 1 tbsp sunflower seeds, toasted
- Quick-pickled onions
- Vegan sour cream or creme fraiche
- Fresh coriander
- Lime quarters
Refried Black Beans:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small red onion, very finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, very finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked sweet paprika
- 2.5 cups cooked black beans (or 2x 400g/15oz cans, drained)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lime juice
Red Tomato Salsa:
- 15 cherry tomatoes, very finely chopped
- ½ small red onion, very finely chopped
- ½ fresh jalapeno pepper, very finely chopped
- Fresh coriander, very finely chopped
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Make the Salsa: Combine the chopped tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno, and coriander in a bowl. Dress with olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the Black Beans: Heat olive oil in a frying pan. Add onion and cook until translucent. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in cumin, paprika, and salt. Add black beans and a splash of water. Mash some of the beans and season with lime juice and more salt, to taste.
- Prepare the Sweet Potato Toast: Clean your sweet potato and slice it into 1/2 cm (1/4 inch) thick slices. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C/355°F for about 25 minutes. Grill the sweet potato slices in a hot griddle pan, brushing with a bit of oil. Grill 2-3 minutes per side, until charred and cooked through.
- Assemble: Place the sweet potato slices on a plate and top with black beans, salsa, diced avocado, toasted seeds, pickled onions, vegan sour cream/creme fraiche, and fresh coriander. Serve with lime wedges.
Tips for the Perfect Fiesta:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the beans for an extra kick.
- Get Creative: Feel free to add other veggies or spices to the black beans. Corn, bell peppers, or a dash of chipotle powder are all fantastic options.
- Prep Ahead: You can cook the beans and make the salsa in advance to save time in the morning.
Ready to add a little zest to your life? Let me know how your vegan fiesta toast turns out in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your pics!
Happy cooking!
Chef Sunny Sprout