sweet potato

Heart-Healthy Snacking

By Stacy Herrick, Communications Specialist

February is American Heart Month. This annual campaign is designed to bring awareness to cardiovascular disease, the nation’s number one killer among both men and women. One way to combat this disease is by maintaining a healthy diet.

With the Super Bowl this weekend, we know that eating healthy is easier said than done. But, have no fear! WVSU Extension Service is here to help you find heart-healthy snacks for the big game. This recipe for sweet potato nachos from the American Heart Association will get everyone cheering.

Ingredients

  • 3 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds), makes about 6 cups of rounds
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp. paprika
  • 1/3 cup black beans, drained, rinsed
  • 1/3 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/3 cup chopped tomato (1 plum tomato) OR
  • 1/3 cup no-salt-added, canned, diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed
  • 1/3 cup chopped avocado

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Cover the baking pans with foil and coat with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Peel and slice the sweet potatoes thinly (about quarter-inch rounds). In a bowl, toss the rounds with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder and paprika. Spread evenly on prepared pan (might need two pans). Bake for 10 minutes and use a spatula to flip the sweet potato rounds. Bake for another 5-10 minutes or until crisp.
  3. Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle beans and cheese over the sweet potatoes. Return to oven until cheese melts, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle with tomato and avocado. Serve.

For more information about American Heart Month and the American Heart Association, visit heart.org. To find more heart-healthy recipes, check out the AHA here.