Cheesy Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon green tea rubs (a mixture of green tea leaves, sugar, and spices)
• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (green part only)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Green Tea Rubs:

• Combine the green tea leaves, sugar, and spices in a small bowl to create the green tea rubs. This mixture will be used to season the sweet potatoes.

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Scrub the sweet potatoes clean and pierce them several times with a fork.

Bake the Sweet Potatoes:

• Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.

Prepare the Filling:

• While the sweet potatoes are baking, preheat a skillet over medium heat. Add the green tea rubs and toast them for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the rubs.
• In a medium bowl, combine the toasted green tea rubs, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped green onions, and chopped cilantro. Mix well to create the filling.

Assemble the Cheesy Baked Sweet Potatoes:

• Once the sweet potatoes are baked and slightly cooled, cut them in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin layer of flesh on the skin to hold the shape.
• Mix the scooped sweet potato flesh with the cheese-filling mixture until well combined.
• Spoon the sweet potato and cheese mixture back into the sweet potato skins, mounding it slightly. Drizzle each with melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Top and Finish:

• If using, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of each sweet potato half. Return the sweet potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts if desired.

Serve:

• Serve the Cheesy Baked Sweet Potatoes immediately, enjoying the warm and comforting flavors of the sweet potatoes combined with the green tea rubs and cheese.