Archive | June, 2024

VIRTUAL DINNER PARTY #95 MIDDLE EASTERN SWEET POTATO TOSTADA WITH WHIPPED FETA AND SALSA VERDE

WHIPPED FETA DRESSING INGREDIENTS:
3/4 C mayonnaise, homemade or high quality store bought
¼ C Greek yogurt
8 oz. of feta, crumbled
1 lemon, juiced and zested
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
(any extra dressing can be reserved for later use)

SALSA VERDE INGREDIENTS:
½ C toasted pumpkin seeds – toasted sunflower seeds may be substituted
2 green onions, sliced
¼ C fresh cilantro, minced
2 T lemon juice
3 T olive oil

TOSTADA INGREDIENTS:
4 T olive oil, divided
1 small onion, cut into thick slivers
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ ea. jalapeno, deseeded, ribs removed and minced (optional)
2 small sweet potatoes, skin on cut into thick 3” planks
2 t cumin powder
2t smoked paprika
2t honey
1 bunch kale, washed, trimmed, and well dried
4 pita toasted rounds or flatbread, additional cilantro, pumpkin seeds and feta for serving

METHOD:

Prepare whipped feta dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients and blend well using an immersion blender or food processor. Adjust seasoning to taste. Transfer to a container and refrigerate.

Prepare Salsa Verde: Combine all salsa ingredients in the work bowl of a food processor and using quick pulses combine to make a chunky puree. You may need to add a bit of water to get the proper sauce-like consistency.

Prepare Filling: Preheat your oven 400 degrees. Line two large, rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Combine all filling ingredients except the kale on one sheet pan and toss with 2 T olive oil. Spread out in a single layer and roast for 15-20 minutes, until tender and appealingly charred. Remove from oven and set aside. On the second sheet pan combine kale and 2 T olive oil. Toss lightly and spread out in a single layer. Roast in oven for 10 minutes or until crisp. Remove from oven and sprinkle lightly with salt. Set aside to briefly while toasting pita or flatbread in oven.

Assemble the tostadas: Spread the whipped feta on the warmed pita rounds. Arrange sweet potatoes on feta mixture and top with crispy kale. Drizzle salsa verde over all and sprinkle with additional pumpkin seeds, cilantro and crumbled feta if desired.

Serves 2 generously