Middle Eastern Potatoes

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

These Mediterranean-inspired sweet potatoes combine roasted chickpeas and fresh toppings with a creamy garlic-herb sauce for a healthy plant-based meal.
Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:12:05 GMT
A plated dish of roasted sweet potato halves topped with chickpeas, diced tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of sauce. Pin it
A plated dish of roasted sweet potato halves topped with chickpeas, diced tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of sauce. | cookingwithcasey.com

Let me share my favorite Mediterranean twist on baked sweet potatoes that's become a weekly staple in my kitchen. I discovered this combination when looking for new ways to jazz up sweet potatoes and it's been love at first bite. The warm comforting potato paired with fresh zesty toppings creates pure magic.

Why You'll Love These

Every time I make these loaded sweet potatoes my kitchen fills with the most amazing aromas. They're that perfect mix of cozy and fresh that's so hard to find. Plus they're incredibly versatile I can switch up the toppings based on what I have on hand.

What You'll Need

  • Sweet Potatoes: I like medium sized ones they cook faster when halved.
  • Chickpeas: These get amazingly crispy in the oven.
  • Garlic Herb Sauce: My secret weapon for flavor.
  • Parsley Tomato Salad: Adds such fresh brightness.
  • Spices: Paprika cumin salt and pepper make everything pop.

Let's Get Cooking

Sweet Potato Time
I always cut them in half they cook so much faster. A drizzle of olive oil salt and pepper then face down on the baking sheet.
Crispy Chickpeas
These cook right alongside the potatoes. The trick is giving them a good shake halfway through.
Make the Sauce
I blend everything until smooth and creamy it's worth cleaning the blender for this.
Fresh Topping
The parsley tomato salad comes together in minutes while everything bakes.
Putting It Together
This is the fun part layer everything up and watch it become a beautiful meal.

Meal Prep Magic

I often prep a batch on Sunday. The components keep beautifully separate just assemble when you're ready to eat. It's saved my lunch hour more times than I can count.

Baked sweet potatoes are topped with chickpeas, diced tomatoes, red onions, and fresh herbs, served on a foil-lined surface. Pin it
Baked sweet potatoes are topped with chickpeas, diced tomatoes, red onions, and fresh herbs, served on a foil-lined surface. | cookingwithcasey.com

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I add a dollop of hummus other times I'll crumble some feta on top. When I have leftover roasted veggies they go right on there too. It's almost impossible to go wrong with the toppings.

Good For You Too

What I love about this meal is how nourishing it feels. The sweet potatoes keep me satisfied for hours and knowing I'm getting protein from the chickpeas plus all those colorful vegetables makes me feel great.

Storage Success

If you're making extras keep everything separate in the fridge. The potatoes and chickpeas reheat beautifully and having fresh toppings ready to go makes assembly a breeze.

Serving Ideas

We love these with warm pita bread on the side. Sometimes I'll make extra sauce for dipping. A cold sparkling water with lemon makes it feel like a cafe lunch at home.

Comfort Food Reimagined

These potatoes hit that perfect sweet spot between healthy and comforting. They're my go-to when I want something that feels indulgent but leaves me energized rather than sluggish.

A plate of baked sweet potatoes filled with chickpeas, chopped tomatoes, and drizzled with a creamy sauce, garnished with fresh herbs. Pin it
A plate of baked sweet potatoes filled with chickpeas, chopped tomatoes, and drizzled with a creamy sauce, garnished with fresh herbs. | cookingwithcasey.com

Quick and Easy

The hands on time is minimal which I love for busy days. While everything roasts in the oven I can help with homework or take care of other tasks. Dinner's ready before anyone asks what's cooking.

Family Favorite

My kids surprised me by loving these. They enjoy building their own potato towers and the natural sweetness wins them over every time. It's become one of our regular family meals.

Perfect for Guests

When friends come over I love setting up a sweet potato bar. Everyone can customize their toppings and it's such a fun interactive way to serve dinner. Plus it works for all dietary preferences.

Earth Friendly Eating

These ingredients are simple whole foods that don't need much packaging. I feel good about serving a meal that's gentle on the planet and still absolutely delicious.

Mediterranean Magic

The flavors remind me of my travels through the Mediterranean. Those simple fresh ingredients coming together to create something truly special. It's like a mini vacation in my kitchen.

Baked sweet potatoes topped with chickpeas, diced tomatoes, red onion, and a drizzle of creamy dressing, garnished with fresh herbs on a bed of foil. Pin it
Baked sweet potatoes topped with chickpeas, diced tomatoes, red onion, and a drizzle of creamy dressing, garnished with fresh herbs on a bed of foil. | cookingwithcasey.com

Complete Meal

What I appreciate most is how balanced this meal is. You get your complex carbs protein healthy fats and plenty of vegetables all in one beautiful package. No need for sides unless you want them.

Year Round Goodness

While sweet potatoes feel especially cozy in fall we enjoy these year round. In summer I add more fresh herbs and tomatoes in winter I might add roasted winter vegetables. They always work.

Budget Friendly

Sweet potatoes and chickpeas are some of the most affordable healthy foods around. This meal proves you don't need expensive ingredients to eat well and feel satisfied.

Easy Cleanup

The minimal dishes are another reason to love this recipe. One sheet pan and a few bowls that's it. I'm all about delicious food that doesn't leave my kitchen looking like a disaster zone.

Your Personal Touch

Think of this recipe as a starting point. Play around with different spice blends try new toppings mix up the herbs. The possibilities are endless and that's what makes cooking so fun.

Two halved sweet potatoes topped with colorful vegetables, herbs, and a drizzle of creamy sauce are served on a white plate. Pin it
Two halved sweet potatoes topped with colorful vegetables, herbs, and a drizzle of creamy sauce are served on a white plate. | cookingwithcasey.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute the hummus?
Yes, tahini makes a good substitute for the sauce base. Adjust seasonings as needed since tahini has less flavor.
→ How can I speed up cooking time?
Cut potatoes in half lengthwise or quarters if large. This reduces cooking time compared to whole potatoes.
→ Can I make this ahead?
Best served fresh, but components can be prepared separately and assembled just before serving.
→ What sides go well with this?
Serve with hummus, pita chips, baba ganoush, or Persian eggplant dip for a complete meal.
→ Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, use 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. Dried dill works well in the sauce.

Loaded Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes topped with spiced roasted chickpeas, garlic-herb sauce, and fresh parsley-tomato salad - ready in 30 minutes.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Yield: 4 Servings (4 potatoes)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 4 medium sweet potatoes.
02 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained.
03 1/2 Tbsp olive oil.
04 1/2 tsp each cumin, coriander, cinnamon, smoked paprika.
05 1 pinch sea salt or lemon juice.
06 GARLIC HERB SAUCE:.
07 1/4 cup hummus (or tahini).
08 1/2 medium lemon, juiced.
09 3/4 - 1 tsp dried dill.
10 3 cloves garlic, minced.
11 Water or almond milk to thin.
12 Sea salt to taste.
13 OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:.
14 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, diced.
15 1/4 cup chopped parsley.
16 3 Tbsp finely chopped red onion.
17 2 Tbsp lemon juice.
18 Chili garlic sauce.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut potatoes lengthwise. Season chickpeas with oil and spices.

Step 02

Place potatoes face down and chickpeas on baking sheet. Bake 25 minutes until tender.

Step 03

Whisk hummus, lemon, dill, garlic. Thin with liquid to make pourable.

Step 04

Mix tomatoes, parsley, onion with lemon juice and let marinate.

Step 05

Top potatoes with chickpeas, sauce, tomato-parsley salad and optional chili sauce.

Notes

  1. Can substitute tahini for hummus in sauce.
  2. Quarter large potatoes to speed cooking.
  3. Best served fresh.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet.
  • Foil.
  • Mixing bowls.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Sesame (hummus/tahini).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 308
  • Total Fat: 6.1 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 54.7 g
  • Protein: 10.9 g