Grilled Sweet Potatoes with BBQ Baked Beans and Cilantro Cream: A Flavor Explosion!

Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s both healthy and packed with flavor? Look no further! This recipe for Grilled Sweet Potatoes with BBQ Baked Beans and Cilantro Cream is a winner. The sweetness of the grilled sweet potatoes perfectly complements the smoky tang of the BBQ baked beans, while the creamy cilantro sauce adds a refreshing, herbaceous touch. This dish is perfect for a summer barbecue, a casual weeknight dinner, or even a potluck. It’s vegetarian, easily adaptable for vegan diets, and sure to impress your friends and family.

## Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients; it’s a carefully crafted combination of flavors and textures that work in harmony. Here’s why it’s so delicious:

* **Sweet and Savory Balance:** The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes is balanced by the savory and smoky BBQ baked beans. This contrast keeps your taste buds engaged and prevents the dish from becoming monotonous.
* **Creamy and Tangy Contrast:** The creamy cilantro sauce adds a cool and refreshing element that cuts through the richness of the sweet potatoes and beans. The tangy lime juice in the sauce provides a bright counterpoint to the other flavors.
* **Texture Variety:** The slightly charred exterior of the grilled sweet potatoes, the tender beans, and the smooth cilantro cream provide a delightful textural experience. Each bite offers a different sensation, making the dish more enjoyable.
* **Versatile and Customizable:** This recipe is easy to adapt to your own preferences. You can adjust the level of spice in the BBQ baked beans, add different herbs to the cilantro cream, or use different toppings. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.

## Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing dish:

**For the Grilled Sweet Potatoes:**

* 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch thick rounds
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* ½ teaspoon garlic powder
* ½ teaspoon onion powder
* Salt and pepper to taste

**For the BBQ Baked Beans:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
* 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
* ¼ cup brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste

**For the Cilantro Cream:**

* 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
* ½ cup fresh cilantro, packed
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Optional Toppings:**

* Chopped green onions
* Crumbled cotija cheese (or feta for a saltier flavor)
* Diced avocado
* Pickled jalapeños
* A drizzle of hot sauce

## Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create this culinary masterpiece:

**1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:**

* Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F).
* In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato rounds with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the sweet potatoes are evenly coated with the spices.

**2. Grill the Sweet Potatoes:**

* Place the sweet potato rounds on the preheated grill in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the grill, as this can prevent them from grilling properly.
* Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and have nice grill marks. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork. If they start to burn, move them to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat.
* Remove the sweet potatoes from the grill and set aside.

**3. Make the BBQ Baked Beans:**

* Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and chopped bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes, until the pepper is slightly tender.
* Stir in the cannellini beans, kidney beans, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer the beans simmer, the more the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
* Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the beans are too thick, add a little water or vegetable broth to thin them out.

**4. Prepare the Cilantro Cream:**

* In a food processor or blender, combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), fresh cilantro, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
* Process until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lime juice or salt as needed.
* Transfer the cilantro cream to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

**5. Assemble the Dish:**

* Place the grilled sweet potato rounds on a serving platter or individual plates.
* Spoon a generous amount of BBQ baked beans over the sweet potatoes.
* Drizzle with the cilantro cream.
* Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped green onions, crumbled cotija cheese, diced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce.

**6. Serve and Enjoy!**

* Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite!

## Tips and Variations

* **Vegan Option:** To make this recipe vegan, use vegan sour cream or cashew cream for the cilantro cream and ensure your BBQ sauce is vegan-friendly. Many BBQ sauces contain honey, so be sure to check the ingredients list.
* **Spice It Up:** If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ baked beans or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
* **Add Some Protein:** For a more substantial meal, add some grilled chicken, pulled pork, or tofu to the dish.
* **Use Different Beans:** Feel free to experiment with different types of beans in the BBQ baked beans. Black beans, pinto beans, or even great northern beans would all work well.
* **Make it Ahead:** The BBQ baked beans and cilantro cream can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. This makes the dish perfect for entertaining.
* **Grilling Alternatives:** If you don’t have a grill, you can roast the sweet potato rounds in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
* **Sweet Potato Prep:** For even cooking, make sure the sweet potato rounds are all about the same thickness.
* **Cilantro Cream Consistency:** If your cilantro cream is too thick, add a tablespoon of water or lime juice at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
* **BBQ Sauce Selection:** Choose a BBQ sauce that you love! The flavor of the BBQ sauce will greatly influence the final taste of the dish. Experiment with different types, such as sweet, smoky, or tangy BBQ sauces.

## Serving Suggestions

This Grilled Sweet Potatoes with BBQ Baked Beans and Cilantro Cream is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

* **As a Main Course:** Serve it as a vegetarian main course for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
* **As a Side Dish:** It makes a great side dish at a barbecue or potluck.
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve smaller portions as an appetizer at a party.
* **In Bowls:** Create delicious and healthy bowls by adding grains like quinoa or brown rice, and topping with the sweet potatoes, beans, and cream.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Protein: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 70-80g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Fiber: 15-20g

This dish is a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. It’s also relatively low in fat and sodium, making it a healthy and delicious option.

## Conclusion

This Grilled Sweet Potatoes with BBQ Baked Beans and Cilantro Cream recipe is a flavor-packed delight that is sure to become a new favorite. The combination of sweet, savory, creamy, and tangy elements creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you’re a vegetarian, a meat-lover, or simply someone who appreciates delicious food, this dish is a must-try. So fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a flavor explosion!

Enjoy!