Hallelujah to the Sweet Potato and Almond Butter Combo!
Share
In the world of plant-based eating, we are constantly looking for that "holy grail" of meals: something that is nutritionally dense, incredibly easy to prepare, and most importantly tastes like a genuine indulgence. At 99th Monkey, we believe that food should never be boring. We believe in bold flavours, creamy textures, and ingredients that work harder for your body.
Today, we’re sharing a recipe that might sound unconventional at first, but once you take that first bite, you’ll realise it’s the culinary breakthrough your weeknight routine has been missing.
We’re talking about the Loaded Almond-Butter Sweet Potato with Baked Beans and Falafels.
This isn't just a "healthy lunch." It is a symphony of complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and plant-based proteins that will leave you truly satisfied. Let’s break down why this specific combination is the ultimate power move for your palate.
The Foundation: Sweet Potato and Almond Butter
If you haven't tried the combination of roasted sweet potato and almond butter yet, consider this your official invitation to a better life. At 99th Monkey, we call this a "match made in heaven," and for good reason.
A Flavour Synergy
Sweet potatoes have a natural, earthy sugar content that intensifies when baked. When you split that steaming potato open and dollop a generous spoonful of our 99th Monkey Almond Butter inside, something magical happens. The almond butter begins to melt into the flesh of the potato, creating a rich, nutty, and velvety texture.
The slight saltiness of our almond butter perfectly counteracts the caramel notes of the potato. It’s a flavor profile that sits right in that "sweet and savoury" sweet spot, making it feel far more decadent than a standard vegetable-based dish.
The Nutritional Powerhouse
Beyond the taste, this duo is a functional powerhouse. Sweet potatoes provide a steady stream of complex carbohydrates and Vitamin A, while the almond butter provides essential monounsaturated fats. These healthy fats don't just taste good; they actually help your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins found in the potato. It’s a win-win for your tastebuds and your health.
The "Sauce" Secret: Why Baked Beans Work
Many people make the mistake of keeping their baked potatoes too dry. To have a truly satisfying meal, you need a "sauce" component—something to bind the flavours together and provide a moist, comforting mouthfeel.
Enter: The Baked Bean.
By topping your almond-butter-slathered sweet potato with a scoop of high-quality baked beans, you are introducing a rich, tomato-based sauce that flows into every crevice of the dish. The acidity of the tomato sauce cuts through the richness of the almond butter, brightening the entire meal.
Furthermore, beans are a fantastic source of fibre. When you combine the fibre from the beans and the potato with the protein from the almond butter, you create a "slow-release" energy meal. This means you won’t experience that mid-afternoon sugar crash; instead, you’ll feel full, focused, and fuelled for hours.
The Finishing Touch: Crispy Falafels
To turn a side dish into a complete meal, you need a solid protein hit and a change in texture. That is where the falafels come in.
While the sweet potato, almond butter, and beans provide a soft, creamy, and saucy base, the falafels bring the crunch. Adding 3–4 crispy, golden falafels to the top of your bowl adds a Mediterranean flare that ties the whole dish together.
Falafels are traditionally made from chickpeas, which perfectly complement the nutty undertones of the almond butter. They provide that final "complete protein" element, ensuring that your muscles have the amino acids they need to recover and grow, whether you’ve just come from a session at the gym or a long day at the office.
The Recipe: How to Make the 99th Monkey Power Bowl
Ready to experience it for yourself? Here is how to assemble this masterpiece in under 30 minutes (with minimal dishes!).
What You’ll Need:
-
1 Large Sweet Potato
-
2-3 tbsp 99th Monkey Almond Butter (Smooth or Crunchy - your choice)
-
½ cup Baked Beans (low sugar/salt preferred)
-
4-5 High-quality Falafels (Bite Me Fine Foods Falafels work perfectly here)
-
Optional: A pinch of sea salt, cracked pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
The Method:
-
The Bake: Preheat your oven to 200°C. Prick your sweet potato with a fork and bake for 45–60 minutes (or until soft through the centre). Pro-tip: If you're short on time, you can microwave the potato for 8–10 minutes, then pop it in the oven for 5 minutes to crisp the skin.
-
The Crunch: In the final 10–12 minutes of the potato baking, add your falafels to the oven tray. You want them to be golden and crispy on the outside.
-
The Warm Up: While the potato is finishing, gently heat your baked beans in a small saucepan or microwave.
-
The Assembly: Slice your sweet potato down the middle. While it’s still steaming hot, spread a thick layer of 99th Monkey Almond Butter into the center. Watch it melt!
-
The Loading: Pour your warm baked beans over the top of the almond butter.
-
The Topping: Arrange your crispy falafels on top, add a dash of salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
Why You’ll Be Truly Satisfied
We talk a lot about "satisfaction" at 99th Monkey, but what does that actually mean?
A meal is satisfying when it hits all the major sensory points:
-
Sweet: From the potato.
-
Salty: From the almond butter.
-
Savory: From the falafels and beans.
-
Creamy: The melted nut butter.
-
Crunchy: The falafel crust.
When you hit all these markers in one bowl, your brain receives a signal that the body has been properly fed. You won't find yourself reaching for a sugary snack twenty minutes later because you’ve provided your system with complex carbs, fibre, healthy fats, and plant protein.
This dish is a testament to the fact that "easy" food can also be "elite" food. It requires zero complicated preparation, zero fancy kitchen gadgets, and zero stress. It’s just honest, whole ingredients brought together by the incredible, creamy power of 99th Monkey Almond Butter.
Join the Movement
We want to see your creations! If you make this Loaded Power Bowl, take a photo and tag us @99th_Monkey.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of power bowls with nut butter or you’re just starting your plant-based journey, this recipe is a must-try. It’s time to stop settling for basic meals and start eating food that makes you feel alive.
Hallelujah to the sweet potato and almond butter combo!