Herby Potatoes Over Garlicky Pea Shoots

•  For starters why this dish is yummy as well as healthy:

•  Das Sweet Potatoes
• Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes may be one of nature's unsurpassed sources of beta-carotene. Several recent studies have shown the superior ability of sweet potatoes to raise our blood levels of vitamin A. This benefit may be particularly true for children. In several studies from Africa, sweet potatoes were found to contain between 100-1,600 micrograms (RAE) of vitamin A in every 3.5 ounces—enough, on average, to meet 35% of all vitamin A needs, and in many cases enough to meet over 90% of vitamin A needs (from this single food alone).  

That would be why we are fans.  My girls love sweet potatoes and I love that they are delicious and actually good for us.  Besides juicing sweet potatoes roasting them is our most used preparation method.

The 411 on pea shoots:

Cancer Prevention
Pea shoots are a great source of three chemoprotective agents: folate, antioxidants and carotene. Folate helps produce and maintain cells and protects against DNA damage.
Antioxidants help the body fight free radical damage, commonly associated with high cancer risk. Carotenes help inhibit antioxidant activity and are commonly associated with increased cancer prevention.
High In Antioxidants
One cup of pea shoots provides about 35% the daily value of vitamin C and 15% the DV of vitamin A. In comparison, this is seven times as much vitamin C as blueberries and four times as much vitamin A as tomatoes. They are also an excellent source of vitamin K, providing 66% the DV from a one cup serving.
Anti-Inflammatory
Pea shoots are dense with the antioxidants and phytonutrients needed to support the body's complex inflammation system.
Diabetes
While many studies point to the many benefits green peas can have for people suffering from diabetes, there is less research to conclude that pea shoots provide as much protection. However, pea shoots contain many of the nutrients that can help keep blood sugar levels low as well as great antioxidant support, which is considered essential in supporting people with type two diabetes and lowering the risk of developing diabetes.
Heart Health
Though large-scale research on the relationship between pea shoots and cardiovascular health remains unavailable, the support these leaf greens provide the inflammation system and immune system of the body, as well as the high levels of antioxidants and phytonutrients they offer indicate that pea shoots may lend a wide range of cardiovascular benefits. Inflammation and antioxidants alone help protect against heart disease.
Weight Loss
Pea shoots have an outstanding nutrient to calorie ratio and offer a good amount of dietary fiber, which helps control body weight and regulate the metabolism. Though they may not directly induce weight loss, they remain a great addition to an effective weight loss program.

And that is why not only are they pretty but they are useful....

Here is one of my favorite ways to use pea shoots.  Hope you enjoy!

 Herby Potatoes Over Garlicky Pea Shoots

1 Bunch of organic pea shoots or about 4-6 cups

1 large sweet potato peeled washed and cubed

4-6 cups finger potatoes washed

4 cloves of garlic minced

Olive oil

Italian seasonings

sea salt and fresh cracked pepper

 Roasted Herby Potatoes

Preheat oven 400

I like to put it all in a bowl and toss, no need to dirty an extra bowl...

Ready to get roasted

Yummers fork tender and fragrant!

On a parchment lined baking sheet add cubed sweet potatoes and washed finger potatoes drizzle with olive oil Italian seasonings, salt and pepper and make sure to hand mix so that all potatoes are properly coated with olive oil and herbs.  Roast for 20-40 minutes depending on oven..  I go by the smell, once I can smell them I start checking on them.  Cook until fork tender.  While potatoes are roasting work on the greens...

Simple Garlicky Sauteed Pea Shoots

Washed and ready to cook!

Wilted and lovely!

Wash pea shoots well and drain.  Discard hard steams at the end, use tender leaves at the top an little steams.  Heat up a saute pan med/ high heat with a little vegetable oil coating. When the pan is hot, add the minced garlic cloves and saute them for 2 minutes.  Toss in your washed, chopped pea shoots.  Saute until pea shoots are wilted (about 2-3 minutes).  Add sea salt  to taste.

I like to add a few black sesame seeds for extra sass!

Serve roasted herby potatoes over the garlicky pea shoots as a side or with some veggie sausage crisped up for dinner.  We love it for lunch... Serves 2-4...  Store in fridge up to 2 days to heat up and snack on later or for lunch the next day!


Tread Lightly~

Love, 
Mel