Shrimp Loaded Sweet Potato

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 to 4 large sweet potatoes (depending on the serving size)
• 1 tablespoon Paleo seasoning blend (or make your own with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, and a touch of cayenne)
• 1-2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
• 1-2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for extra heat
• Optional: Fresh lime wedges for serving

Directions:

Step 1: Baking the Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Thoroughly wash the sweet potatoes and pat them dry.
3. Using a fork, puncture holes all around each sweet potato to allow steam to escape during the baking process.
4. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. The sweet potatoes are done when they are tender to the touch and a fork can easily pierce through the flesh. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the sweet potatoes.
6. Once baked, remove the sweet potatoes from the oven. If not serving immediately, store them in an airtight container to keep them moist.

Step 2: Preparing the Shrimp

1. While the sweet potatoes are baking, rinse the shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Place the shrimp in a bowl and toss them with the Paleo seasoning blend until evenly coated.
3. Prepare a baking sheet by spraying it with olive oil or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
4. Spread the seasoned shrimp out in a single layer on the baking sheet.
5. When there are about 15 minutes left for the sweet potatoes to finish baking, put the shrimp in the oven.
6. Bake the shrimp for about 6-8 minutes, or until they are pink, firm, and cooked through.

Step 3: Sautéing the Spinach

1. While the shrimp are cooking, heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the fresh spinach and sauté just until wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Assembling the Loaded Sweet Potatoes

1. Carefully slice each baked sweet potato lengthwise to open them up. Be cautious of the steam.
2. Fluff the insides of the sweet potatoes with a fork to create more space for the toppings.
3. Distribute the sautéed spinach evenly among the sweet potatoes.
4. Add the baked shrimp on top of the spinach.
5. Sprinkle diced tomatoes and diced avocado over the shrimp.
6. If desired, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Serving:

• Serve the Shrimp Loaded Sweet Potatoes immediately while they are warm.
• For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze fresh lime juice over each stuffed sweet potato before serving.

Tips:

• Adjust the amount of Paleo seasoning to taste. You can make the dish spicier or milder depending on your preference.
• For added texture, you could also add some chopped nuts like pecans or almonds on top for a crunchy element.
• Remember that the size of the sweet potatoes will affect the baking time, so larger potatoes may take a bit longer.

This balanced meal combines protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs, making it a satisfying and nutritious option for any day of the week. Enjoy your homemade Shrimp Loaded Sweet Potatoes