-HEART HEALTH TK

April “DON’T BE FOOLED” SNEAKY SOURCES OF SODIUM

Vegan Roasted Sweetpotato Cauliflower Tacos

Ingredients

• 8 Whole wheat tortillas • 2 Large NC sweetpotatoes (diced into ½ inch cubes) • 3 Cups Cauliflower florets • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil • 1 teaspoon Chili powder • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder • Salt/Pepper to taste • 1 lime, cut into wedges • 1 Large jalapeño, sliced • Cilantro, for garnish • Vegan ranch dressing (optional)

TALKING POINTS y National Make Lunch Count Day is April 13th! Elevate your lunch game with Sweetpotato Chicken Kebabs, perfect for meal prep and delicious left overs. Add these flavorful kebabs to salads or grain bowls for a nutritious and satisfying midday meal. Try some Sweetpotato Chicken Kabobs y Don’t be fooled by sneaky sources of sodium in dressings, dips, sauces, baked goods, and cheeses. These hidden salts can add up quickly! A simple swap tip: make your own dressings and dips at home to control the salt content. Opt for fresh ingredients and herbs to add flavor without the extra sodium. y Enhance the flavor of sweetpotatoes without adding salt by using herbs, spices, and citrus! Try sprinkling them with cinnamon, nutmeg, or smoked paprika for a warm, rich taste. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and cilantro can add a burst of freshness. A squeeze of lemon or lime juice can also elevate their natural sweetness. y In honor of Earth Month, we are testing your sweet potato knowledge: Are sweetpotatoes and yams the same? Despite common confusion, they are quite different! Sweetpotatoes are sweeter and have a smoother skin, while yams are starchy with rough, scaly skin. Learn more about the differences between the two here: Sweetpotatoes 101

SOCIAL POSTS Celebrate Earth Month by learning about the sustainable journey of North Carolina sweetpotatoes! Discover how they’re grown and harvested in harmony with nature: Lifecycle of a North Carolina Sweetpotato #EarthMonth #SustainableAg #ncsweetpotatoes Don’t be fooled by sneaky sources of sodium in store bought dips, dressings, and sauces as they can be high in salt. Pro tip: make your own and control the salt content! Try this delicious Spicy Sweetpotato Hummus for a flavorful, heart-healthy option. #HeartHealthy #LowSodium #HomemadeGoodness #HealthyEating #ncsweetpotatoes NEWSLETTER COPY April is Earth Month, a perfect time to celebrate sustain ability and healthy living! Sweetpotatoes are a nutritious and eco-friendly choice, packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Incorporating sweetpotatoes into your meals not only benefits your health but also supports sustainable farming practices. As you embark on your spring cleaning, consider refreshing your pantry with versatile, long-lasting sweet potatoes. Try a new sweet- potato recipe and discover how this humble root vegetable can add flavor and nutrition to your diet!

Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 400⁰ F.

2. Place the cauliflower florets and diced North Carolina sweetpotatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the top, then season with the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and salt/pepper. Toss to combine. Spread the vegetables onto a sheet pan and roast them for about 15 minutes. 3. Add the black beans to the sheet pan, then place the pan back in the oven for about 5 more minutes Remove from the oven and set aside. 4. To char your tortillas ( optional ): Heat a large skillet on medium/high heat. Add a drizzle of oil into the skillet and cook each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side, or until it’s lightly charred. Be sure not to overcook the tortillas. Transfer the charred tortillas to a plate, then cover them until you’re ready to serve them. 5. To assemble the tacos: Place a generous amount of the roasted veggies onto each tortilla. Top with fresh jalape ños and cilantro. If desired, drizzle some vegan ranch dressing on top and enjoy! TEACHING TOOLS If you have not already, we suggest downloading our Teaching tools: • Handy Pantry • Pantry Essentials for National Nutrition Month

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