Would you still make this if I told you smoky = burnt? Cause I burnt the crap out of the first round of corn. I had to take both kids outside because the kitchen was that smoky. Smoky > Burnt. When a pan gets really encrusted with something that I've burnt, Austin fills it with water and boils it, and then leaves it on the counter for about 4.5 months. It's super efficient. But whatever was burnt to the bottom does generally come off at this point so I suppose he's on to something.
Sweet potatoes are such a darling food. They are one of the healthiest foods on earth while simultaneously being SO inexpensive. That combo doesn't happen all that often. They're just the best. OH and sweet potatoes have inspired me to start planning Bobby's first meals. I can't even believe that he's almost old enough to eat actual food. The first food Ruthie ever tried was baked butternut squash. She fed herself right from the beginning rather than one of us spoon feeding her purees or rice cereal (known as baby led weaning although it has nothing to do with weaning). MUCH more on this in the future, but I'm planning on taking the same approach with Bobby. I will share Bobby's first foods, how to prep, baby portion sizing through the stages, when to start combining foods, and answer any questions along the way. I truly believe that this way of introducing food helped Ruthie become the adventurous eater she is today.
Back to the tacos, Sweet potato and black bean is a combo I make allll the time. In enchiladas, lasagna style cheesy bake, black bean and sweet potato soup, ETC, ETC. I buy dry beans and cook them in the slow cooker with water or broth, onions, garlic, and seasoning on high for about 5 hours, but canned black beans would work as well. I recently discovered a cheese from Cabot called Seriously Sharp and it is BOMB. It is super super sharp (obvs) and so flavorful that all other cheeses just suck now. The only downfall is they don't carry it at Aldi, so I have to make an extra trip to the reg grocery store to get it (on the upside, it comes in a 2 pound brick 👌🏻). I wholeheartedly believe in shredding your own cheese. I use a good ole box grater but a food processor will also do the trick. Happy Taco Thursday!!
Ingredients:
Makes 4-6 servings
2 cups black beans
2 cloves garlic, smashed and diced
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
salt to taste
4 ears of corn, kernels removed
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
2 large sweet potatoes, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 small corn tortillas
freshly grated cheese, cilantro, avocado, Greek yogurt and lime for topping.
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spread diced sweet potato on a sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss. Roast for about 20 minutes until edges are brown and crispy.
Heat 2 cups beans with garlic, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and salt & pep until warm.
In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add fresh cut corn and heat until nicely charred (but not on fire).
Assemble tacos however you damn well please.
