DISH OF THE DAY AUG 19 - INDESTRI NUTRITION

DISH OF THE DAY 3 - CIVILIZED CAVEMEN

SWEET POTATO

Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

Hasselback potatoes originate in Stockholm and make basic roasted spuds special. They are made by cutting very thin slices almost down to the bottom, so that the potato holds together and then baked. When roasted in the oven, the fan-shaped cuts get crispy and delicious. Top these hasselback sweet potatoes with compound ghee (or butter) and fresh herbs for a sophisticated finish.Want to know the secret to perfect hasselback sweet potatoes? Chop sticks! Yes that’s right, chop sticks can stop you from cutting your sweet potato in half like I have done way too many times. See:

Did you know eating sweet potatoes makes you sexy? Seriously, read this….

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INDESTRI CHECK THE Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

I love sweet potatoes. Knowing that they are healthy for me and support my active lifestyle gives me permission to eat these hasselback sweet potatoes more often than not. No matter where you live, sweet potatoes are normally readily available, inexpensive and always taste amazing. Here are my favorite health benefits of sweet potatoes:

1. They are a good source of Vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in bone and tooth formation, digestion and blood cell formation. They help accelerate wound healing, produces collagen which helps maintain skin’s youthful elasticity, and are essential in aiding in stress coping. Oh yea, and they have that cool effect of helping to ward off cold and flu viruses too.
2. They contain Vitamin D which is supportive of our immune system and overall health. Vitamin D is both a hormone and a vitamin and is produced in our body from getting adequate sunlight. This amazing vitamin plays an important role in our energy levels, moods, heart, skin, teeth, nerves, and helps build healthy bones.
3. They contain magnesium which is the relaxation and anti-stress mineral. It is estimated that approximately 80 percent of the population in North America is deficient in magnesium. It is necessary for healthy arteries, blood, heart, muscle, bone and nerve function. Well that makes sense.
4. They contain potassium which is one of the important electrolytes that regulate heartbeat and nerve signals. Potassium relaxes muscle contractions, reduces swelling and protects and controls the activity of the kidneys. In other words, sweet potatoes are crucial to all Crossfitters or competitive athletes.
5. They contain iron. Did you know that iron produces white blood cells, supports proper immune functioning, metabolizes protein and fights stress? Me neither. Knowing that iron provides energy as well this is all I need to know to eat more sweet potatoes.

Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Compound Herb Ghee

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Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

1 hour

Total time

1 hour 10 mins

Author: Stephanie Gaudreau

Serves: 2 to 4 servings

Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes

• 1 pound white sweet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon melted ghee
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Compound Ghee

• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 1 small garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh chopped rosemary (about 1 sprig)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (about 5 sprigs)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
2. Scrub the skin of the sweet potatoes thoroughly.
3. Use a very sharp knife to make several vertical cuts from the top of the sweet potatoes most of the way through, stopping about ¼ inch from the bottom.
4. Place the sweet potatoes on the baking sheet.
5. Brush with the melted ghee and sprinkle the sea salt on top.
6. Roast for 60 to 75 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are soft.
7. While the sweet potatoes are in the oven, in a small bowl, combine the ghee, garlic, rosemary and thyme.
8. Stir well with a spoon until it forms a soft mixture.
9. Top the hot roasted sweet potatoes with the compound ghee.