The other night I was on Pinterest where I have a board I contribute to for St Patricks Day and I was trying to figure out something to make for dinner that night. Asparagus is always a safe bet for spring dishes, and I knew that I was going to have a crazy day that day, so I needed to plan ahead. Everything looked delicious, but it was either too much work or just dyed green. In other words, nothing was standing out for dinner (desserts are another story. mmmmm). And then I remembered that a yummy primavera could easily be all green!
I am so totally over this whole winter thing. Spring cannot come fast enough and if I have to create it through my meals I’m happy to do so. I decided to experiment with a one skillet meal, so that I wouldn’t be trapped in the kitchen all day. At first I was going to do a creamy pasta, but we decided that if we were going to have a creamy dish maybe we could switch up the starch to something with a little more nutrition to it.
White Sweet Potatoes for Diabetes, Athletes and Healthy Living
Did you know that white sweet potatoes (yes, there are white ones) are a great source of Vitamin A, protein, Vitamin C, Vitamin B-6, Potassium etc. In fact, the Japanese even use white sweet potatoes as a natural treatment for diabetes, hypertension and anemia.
In fact, Sweet potatoes are super good for people suffering from diabetes. They contain carotenoids, which stabilize the level of blood-sugar by decreasing insulin resistance. The fibre in them actually decreases the bad cholesterol and blood sugar levels in the body while the chlorogenic acid content reduces insulin resistance. Good to know eh?
And because you know how I feel about working out…The potassium in sweet potatoes can help with muscle cramps (not sore muscles) due to low potassium.
I guess we figure that if we are going to splurge with something creamy, why not use a more nutritious base versus plain white pasta? Plus, a white sweet potato is naturally creamy as well.
Progresso Recipe Starters Saved My Day
This dish came together easily and while we did have to bake the sweet potato at 400 for 45 minutes (I pricked the hole thing so it wouldn’t burst) it was just in the oven so I really wasn’t doing anything with that at all. We used the Progresso Starters that we’ve been so curious to try, so there was literally no work for the sauce. I love a yummy meal that’s easy to prepare and delicious to the taste. 😉
Is Asparagus Good For You?
Asparagus is a very good source of fiber, which promotes good digestion.
Asparagus is also loaded with vitamins A, C, E and K.
Do White Sweet Potatoes Taste the Same As Orange Sweet Potatoes?
A cooked white sweet potato is drier than an orange one but still creamy.
White sweet potatoes have a milder flavor than orange sweet potatoes.
Is Spinach a Source of Vitamin C?
Spinach is packed with many minerals and vitamins including vitamin C.
One cup of spinach provides 217% of the daily recommended amount for vitamin C when raw, or 130% when cooked.
Basil Primavera Stuffed Potato
Basil Primavera Stuffed Potato
Description
Ingredients
- 4 White Sweet Potatoes
- 1 Can Progresso Recipe Starters-Basil Flavor
- 2 Cups Asparagus, chopped
- 1 1/2 Cup Peas, thawed (do not use canned)
- 2 Cups Baby Spinach, washed
- Pinch of Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Heat an oven to 400 degrees.
- Prick each sweet potato with a fork or pairing knife to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes or until tender.
- Heat a nonstick skilled over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. As soon as the oil begins to shimmer, add the asparagus.
- Cook for 3-6 minutes or until tender, but not soggy.
- Add the spinach and peas and allow to cook an additional 2-4 minutes or until the spinach has begun to wilt.
- Pour in the progresso basil starter, increase the heat to medium high and bring it to a boil.
- Allow the sauce to boil for one minute, and then turn it down to low and allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes or until thickened.
- Slice open the baked sweet potatoes and serve the sauce over the top.
Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Products
More Vegetarian Dishes
I am in a working partnership with General Mills/Progresso, but the opinions are my own.
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life
I had no idea there were white sweet potatoes either. Love the creamy asparagus on top of it!!! I am with you on being over winter! Please spring come faster!!!
jennifurla
that’s gorgeous, send one over..looks delish
Sweet Basil
I’ll send ya 5;)
Aimee @ ShugarySweets
Perfect. No other words to describe this!
Peggy
Can’t say I’ve seen a baked potato quite like this – love the idea =)
tanya
I’m so excited to have found this! My kids just discovered how much they love baked potatoes! This opens up a world of possibilities! I’ll be starting with this!
katie
Oh my this looks divine. I just went to a produce conference last weekend and got my hands on white sweet potatoes. I had no idea they existed! Off to try your recipe!
Jen
Ok, now I’m more motivated to try white sweet potatoes!! mikal is a diabetic, so I’m always looking for things to help in that area. 🙂
Rebecca {Foodie with Family}
Carrian,
This is all kinds of delicious looking. I’m kind of obsessed with peas. And white sweet potatoes. And I am SO over winter, too. This one has been long and seemingly never ending. Bring on the spring veggies!!!
P.S. I could use some sweet potatoes. I got a new Pilates coach and I’m feelin’ it!
Sweet Basil
Rebecca, why don’t we live closer? We need to find some blogger trip to go on and meet half way.
claire @ the realistic nutritionist
I’ve never heard of white sweet potatoes!!
Sweet Basil
Claire, I hope you’ll go grab some to try. They are so yummy.
Maria Tadic
I’m not a huge sweet potato fan – just too sweet for me believe it or not. Do the white ones still taste like the regular old orange sweet potato or more like a regular potato?
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan
I love anything stuffed in a potato, bring it on!
Sweet Basil
Totally, especially when it’s “stuff”. It just sounds yummier
Jamie | Thrifty Veggie Mama
I had no idea there were white sweet potatoes! Love the topping
Sweet Basil
oh, you must try them!