Ingredients

2 cups spinach
1 sweet potato , sliced
1 cup garbanzo beans
1/4 cup dill
1/4 cup parsley
3 tablespoons spearmint
1 onion , chopped
2 garlic cloves , diced
1 tablespoon butter or 1 tablespoon ghee
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 garlic , stems chopped
1 tablespoon rose water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1 pinch saffron
salt
red pepper flakes
yogurt ( to garnish )
pine nuts ( to garnish )
This Persian-inspired Sweet Potato and Spinach Salad is a perfect blend of robust flavors and nutrient-dense ingredients that come together to create a mouth-watering salad that can be enjoyed as a meal or a side dish. The aromatic blend of saffron, rose water, and turmeric adds a depth of flavors to the dish that is inspired by traditional Persian cuisine. This twist on a classic salad recipe is an excellent way to celebrate the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes and the nuttiness of garbanzo beans while introducing a new array of herbs and spices to your taste buds.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 400F.
2.In a bowl, mix together the sweet potato slices with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, turmeric, saffron, salt, and red pepper flakes.
3.Spread the sweet potatoes out on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy.
4.In a skillet, sauté chopped onion and garlic in butter or ghee for about 5-6 minutes until they are soft and lightly golden.
5.In a separate bowl, mix lemon juice and rose water together and set aside.
6.In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, cooked garbanzo beans, dill, parsley, spearmint, and the sautéed onion-garlic mixture.
7.Add in the roasted sweet potatoes, pour lemon juice and rose water mixture over the top, and toss everything together well.
8.Serve the salad garnished with dollops of yogurt and pine nuts.

PROS

This salad is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients such as sweet potatoes, spinach, and garbanzo beans that support overall health.
It is also gluten-free and can be made vegan by simply omitting yogurt garnish.

The salad makes for a delicious plant-based meal that can be eaten as an entree on its own or as a side dish to a heartier main course.

CONS

The salad might take a bit of effort to put together compared to other salads, but the end result is definitely worth it!
Some people might not be a fan of the earthy taste of garbanzo beans, but they can simply be omitted if desired.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Sweet potatoes are a rich source of fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants that promote healthy digestion and a robust immune system. Spinach contains iron, calcium, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants that support heart health, help lower blood pressure, and reduce oxidative stress in the body. Garbanzo beans are a great source of protein, fiber, folate, and minerals and help manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

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