Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes—swap cottage cheese for plain unsweetened yoghurt-style alternative or silken tofu, and omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free hard cheese.

Roast halved sweet potatoes at 200°C for 18–22 mins cut-side down, then air-fry chickpeas 10–12 mins, and kale 3–5 mins, shaking often to prevent burning.

Roast potatoes and chickpeas up to 3 days ahead; store separately. Re-crisp in a hot oven/air-fryer. Blend sauce fresh or up to 2 days in advance.

Substitutions for walnuts or dates?

Use almonds or pistachios, and swap dates for dried figs or apricots. Keep the crumble slightly chunky for best texture.

Sweet Potatoes with Sun-Dried Tomato–Date Crunch

Name: Sweet Potatoes with Sun-Dried Tomato–Date Crunch
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Walnuts, roughly chopped; Medjool dates, pitted; Sun-dried tomatoes (drained if in oil); Fresh basil, packed; Capers, drained; Sweet potatoes, halved lengthways; Olive oil, divided; Fine sea salt; Chickpeas, drained and patted dry; Maple syrup; Smoked paprika; Onion powder; Kale, chopped, stems removed; Parmesan cheese, finely grated; Balsamic vinegar; Maple syrup; Dijon mustard; Lemon juice, freshly squeezed; Cottage cheese; Olive oil; Fine sea salt; Black pepper; Water, to thin

Roasted sweet potatoes with crispy kale, spiced chickpeas, and a basil–date–sun-dried tomato crumble, finished with a creamy balsamic drizzle. A flavour-packed gluten-free veggie main.

Sweet Potatoes with Sun-Dried Tomato–Date Crunch 🧡

Roasted sweet potatoes meet their match in this flavor-packed vegetarian dish — layered with crispy kale, smoky chickpeas, and an irresistibly savory-sweet sun-dried tomato–date–basil crumble, all tied together with a creamy balsamic cottage-cheese drizzle.
It’s a stunning, gluten-free, make-ahead option that brings both comfort and freshness to your dinner table 🍠🌿✨.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe 😍

This isn’t your average roasted veggie dish. The combination of caramelized sweet potatoes, crunchy kale chips, and spiced chickpeas gives a perfect play of texture and depth. Add to that the date–basil crumble and tangy balsamic drizzle, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy side or main that’s nutritious and meal-prep friendly.

Whether served as a hearty vegetarian main or alongside grilled proteins, every bite delivers sweet, salty, and umami perfection.

Step-by-Step Flavor Journey 👩🏻‍🍳

1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Lay your sweet potato halves cut-side down on a lined sheet pan brushed with olive oil. This trick ensures that deep golden caramelisation that makes them melt in your mouth.
Roast at 220°C (425°F) for 20–25 minutes, until the bottoms are crisped and bronzed.

2. Make the Sun-Dried Tomato–Date–Basil Crumble 🌿

While the potatoes roast, pulse together walnuts, Medjool dates, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and capers. The goal is texture — not paste! You want those rustic, crumbly bits that add bursts of flavor and crunch.

3. Blend the Creamy Balsamic Cottage-Cheese Drizzle 🌀

In a blender, combine balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, cottage cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Blend until smooth and creamy, then thin with water (1–2 tbsp) to reach a pourable consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning — it should be tangy, creamy, and balanced.

4. Crisp the Chickpeas & Kale 🧄

Push the sweet potatoes to one side of the pan. Add chickpeas tossed with olive oil, smoked paprika, onion powder, maple syrup, and salt.
Roast for another 20 minutes, tossing halfway. Then remove potatoes and chickpeas, add kale tossed with olive oil and Parmesan, and roast just 10 minutes more until crisp at the edges.

5. Assemble & Serve 🍽️

Mash the centre of each roasted sweet potato half slightly. Top with crispy chickpeas, kale chips, and a generous handful of crumble.
Finish with a drizzle of creamy balsamic sauce and an optional sprinkle of flaky salt. It’s rich, balanced, and beyond satisfying.

Pro Tips from the Kitchen 💡

Roast the sweet potatoes cut-side down for deep caramelisation.
Dry chickpeas thoroughly before roasting — moisture makes them steam, not crisp.
Don’t overblend the crumble — the texture is key!
Thin the sauce slowly until just pourable, not watery.
Try cavolo nero instead of kale for a more earthy bite.

Perfect For 🥗

✅ Gluten-free vegetarian dinners
✅ Healthy meal prep
✅ Autumn gatherings
✅ Creative side dish for roast night

Make It Your Way 🧺

Dairy-free version: Swap cottage cheese for silken tofu or plant yoghurt, and skip or replace Parmesan.
Nut alternative: Almonds or pistachios work beautifully.
Sweet swap: Replace dates with dried figs or apricots for a twist.
Air fryer option: Sweet potatoes at 200°C for 18–22 mins, chickpeas 10–12 mins, kale 3–5 mins.

Quick FAQ ❓

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. Roast the potatoes and chickpeas up to 3 days ahead and store separately. Re-crisp before serving and blend the sauce fresh (or 2 days prior).

What if I don’t have walnuts?
Try almonds or pistachios. The key is to keep the crumble chunky and aromatic.

Can I skip the kale?
You can — but it adds texture. Swap it for spinach or roasted broccolini instead.

Nutrition (per serving) ⚖️

Calories: 580 kcal
Fat: 21 g | Saturated Fat: 4 g
Carbs: 75 g | Fibre: 13 g | Sugar: 24 g
Protein: 13 g | Sodium: 640 mg
Serving size: 1 loaded sweet-potato half (~450 g)