STUFFED SWEET POTATOES WITH SPINACH, MUSHROOM, AND FETA

### Instructions for Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Spinach, Mushroom, and Feta

#### Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
1. **Preheat the oven** to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prepare the sweet potatoes**: Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork. This helps release steam as they cook. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
3. **Roast the sweet potatoes**: Roast the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until tender. You can check for doneness by gently squeezing the potato—if it’s soft inside, it’s ready. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

#### Step 2: Sauté the Filling
4. **Heat the olive oil**: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. **Cook the onions and garlic**: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
6. **Add the mushrooms**: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms release their moisture and become tender.
7. **Add the spinach**: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down. Season with **salt**, **pepper**, and **dried thyme** (if using). If you’d like a hint of acidity, add **1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar** and stir to combine.

#### Step 3: Stuff the Sweet Potatoes
8. **Cut the sweet potatoes**: Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut a slit down the middle of each potato, being careful not to cut all the way through.
9. **Fluff the insides**: Gently fluff the inside of each sweet potato with a fork, creating space for the filling.
10. **Stuff the sweet potatoes**: Spoon the sautéed spinach and mushroom mixture into the sweet potatoes, filling them generously.
11. **Add feta**: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of each stuffed sweet potato.

#### Step 4: Serve and Garnish
12. **Garnish and serve**: Garnish the stuffed sweet potatoes with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm, and enjoy the delicious, balanced flavors of this nutrient-packed meal.

### Why This Dish Is a Winner

– **Sweet and Savory Balance**: The natural sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the savory sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and feta, creating a dish that’s flavorful and satisfying.
– **Packed with Nutrients**: Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants, while spinach provides iron, calcium, and vitamin K. Mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor and are an excellent source of B vitamins and antioxidants. The feta cheese adds protein and healthy fats, making this dish a well-rounded, nutritious option.
– **Customizable**: You can customize this recipe based on what you have on hand. Try adding other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the filling, or use goat cheese instead of feta for a different flavor profile.

### Tips for Success

– **Pre-cook the filling**: You can prepare the spinach and mushroom filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. This will make assembling the stuffed sweet potatoes quicker on the day you plan to serve them.
– **Topping variations**: If you prefer a creamier topping, you can mix the feta cheese with a little Greek yogurt or sour cream for extra richness.
– **Add protein**: For an added protein boost, you can top the stuffed sweet potatoes with grilled chicken, turkey, or even a poached egg.
– **Vegan option**: Skip the feta cheese and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a vegan version of this dish.

### Conclusion

**Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Spinach, Mushroom, and Feta** are a delicious and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of roasted sweet potatoes with savory, sautéed vegetables and creamy feta creates a hearty and satisfying dish that’s as flavorful as it is healthy. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that can be customized to your taste, and it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether served as a main or side dish, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!