Description
Delight in these roasted sweet potatoes stuffed with a creamy orange zest ricotta filling and topped with crunchy toasted almonds. This recipe combines sweet, creamy, and nutty textures, making it a perfect brunch dish or a cozy dessert option that’s both wholesome and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
Ricotta Filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Toppings
- 1/4 cup sliced or chopped almonds, toasted
- Optional: a drizzle of extra honey
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry the sweet potatoes, prick them several times with a fork. Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Place them directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet and roast for 40 to 50 minutes until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, orange zest, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring the flavors are evenly incorporated.
- Slice and Stuff Sweet Potatoes: Once the sweet potatoes are sufficiently roasted, take them out of the oven and carefully slice them lengthwise. Gently fluff the flesh inside each potato with a fork to create a soft bed for the filling. Spoon the prepared ricotta mixture generously into the sweet potato flesh.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the toasted sliced or chopped almonds evenly over the stuffed sweet potatoes to add a delightful crunch. For an extra touch of sweetness, optionally drizzle a little more honey on top.
- Serve Warm: Serve these stuffed sweet potatoes warm, perfect for a brunch centerpiece, a comforting dessert, or a delicious side dish that balances creamy, sweet, and nutty flavors beautifully.
Notes
- To toast almonds, heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant.
- For a vegan option, substitute ricotta with a plant-based cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Sweet potatoes can be roasted in advance and warmed before stuffing for convenience.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey or maple syrup according to taste preference.
- Orange zest adds a fresh citrus note; ensure to avoid the bitter white pith when zesting.
