Loaded Sweet Potatoes

This recipe is from the Budget Bytes site, so of course, it’s inexpensive but it’s also loaded with nutrients and super delish!

• 3 medium sweet potatoes (1 lb. each)
• 2 T. olive oil, divided
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1.5 T. avocado oil
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
• salt & pepper to taste (non-iodized salt, Diamond, or Mortons brands)

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Wash and dry the sweet potatoes. Prick the skin a few times on all sides with a fork. Use one tablespoon of the vegetable oil to lightly coat the skins. Bake the sweet potatoes for one hour in the preheated oven, or until soft all the way through. You can place the sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack, but place something on the rack below to catch any drippings, as they will ooze slightly while baking.
2. When the sweet potatoes have about 15 minutes left to go, saute the spinach. Add the second tablespoon of vegetable oil and the minced garlic to a medium skillet. Saute over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, or just until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly soft. Add the spinach (three large handfuls, or about 3 cups packed) to the skillet. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Continue to saute until the spinach is wilted (2-3 minutes).
3. When the potatoes come out of the oven, carefully slice them open from end to end. Use a fork to lightly mash the insides. Add about a 1/2 tablespoon of butter or avocado oil to the inside of each potato and then season lightly with salt and pepper. Divide the spinach between the three potatoes. Top the potatoes with chopped walnuts. Serve hot!