These Roasted Veggie & Black Bean Bowls are filling and perfect for a meatless meal. Antioxidant-rich sweet potatoes, onions and poblano peppers are given a smoky coating of cumin and paprika and then roasted to caramelized perfection. A quick guacamole makes the perfect bed for the roasted veggies and fiber-rich black beans, while briny cotija cheese and sweet pickled red onions crown the bowl. Keep reading for our expert tips, including how to up the spice level of your bowl.
Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen
These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!
- To save on preparation time, consider purchasing pre-chopped sweet potatoes and prepared guacamole.
- You can replace the cotija cheese with queso fresco or feta, if desired.
- For an extra kick of flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper or your favorite hot sauce.
- You can buy pickled red onions or make them at home up to a month in advance, and they’ll keep in the refrigerator. They’re also excellent in salads and sandwiches.
Nutrition Notes
- Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamin A for eye health. They’re also rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting your immune system.
- Black beans are rich in fiber and antioxidants. They also add plant-based protein to these bowls. Eating more beans has been linked with a reduced risk of heart disease.
- Avocados are loaded with heart-healthy fat. The fiber from avocado, black beans and sweet potatoes not only helps fill you up but also feeds your gut’s beneficial bacteria.
- Poblano peppers are rich in antioxidants. Eating spicy food like poblanos has many health benefits, including healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. There’s even evidence that spicy foods help you feel full and satisfied more quickly when eating a meal.
Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Pricilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
