Author: Hassan S. Makki, D.O., FACC
Eating “heart healthy” doesn’t mean you have to take the joy out of eating. For a delicious heart healthy recipe that’s low in fat and easy to make, I recommend these Southwestern heart healthy sweet potato black bean burritos. This recipe contains several ingredients that are high in soluble fiber, which helps lower LDL “bad” cholesterol: sweet potatoes, black beans, and spinach. Also, this recipe calls for three avocados, which offer healthy monounsaturated fats.
The Ingredients of a Heart Healthy Recipe
SWEET POTATOES
- 2 medium-large sweet potatoes
- ¼ tsp cayenne
- ½ tsp chipotle powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cumin
- black pepper to taste
BURRITOS
- 10 tortillas – small, taco size
- ½ cup roasted bell peppers from a jar
- 1 bag fresh spinach
- 2 cups cooked black beans
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella
GUACAMOLE
- 3 avocados
- 1 cup medium salsa
- 2 large garlic cloves
- ¼ tsp cayenne
- Juice of 3 limes
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450 ºF. Peel and cube sweet potatoes. Mix potatoes with spices and other ingredients. Spread on a baking sheet and let them roast for 45 minutes.
While the potatoes roast, blend guacamole in a food processor until smooth.
Next, assemble the burritos by adding spinach, roasted red peppers, sweet potatoes, cheese, and black beans in layers. Roll the burritos and place them side by side in a baking pan with the fold of each burrito pressed up to the next burrito so that they don’t open. If there is extra sweet potato/black bean filling, add it to the edges of the baking pan.
Bake for 7 minutes. Add guacamole and serve.
Stay Tuned for More Heart Healthy Recipes
Again, eating heart healthy doesn’t mean eating bland food. This is one of many Southwestern heart healthy recipes that prove just the opposite. Bon appetit! To schedule an appointment with a cardiologist at Phoenix Heart Center, call 602-234-0004. Locations in Phoenix, East Mesa, and Tempe, AZ. Recipe adapted from Cookie and Kate.
Please consult with your physician before undertaking any form of medical treatment or adopting any exercise program or dietary guidelines.
