All the February things are here! Superbowl, Valentine’s Day, the Oscars, the cold and yet that pre-spring feeling. The dead of winter usually takes its toll on me, but for some reason, I don’t mind February this year. I like that it feels like a beginning and even though the weather is cold, it’s a reprieve from how it was last month. And because I’ve taken time to notice, I see the shadows getting longer by the day. Sometimes being on the precipice of a good thing–warm weather, more sun–but knowing there’s still time for the stillness of the season and winter adventures, brings its own kind of excitement.
I started a new busy case at work and have been enjoying the responsibilities that come with it. I’ve also begun a yoga practice. It all started with one video and now I’m the proud owner of a mat and take that time visit it daily. I will say, there isn’t one part of my apartment where I can lay down with my arms splayed out without touching a piece of furniture or a wall. Despite that challenge, I marvel at how learning something new brings a new perspective. It makes me grateful that I’m capable of appreciating the journey, especially when facing my limitations (flexibility, patience, etc). Behind my frustration is a hint of humor and the stubborn will to persist. Heavy thoughts for a loaded toast.
With all of this, I’ve been reaching for easy and quick in the kitchen. I have my favorites on rotation right now, but I’ve been craving a change. I stumbled upon this combination by accident, using whatever I had to throw together a breakfast. It looks simple, but it’s deceptively flavorful. If you make it exactly as directed, the sesame soy flavor of the mushrooms combine with the natural sweetness of the sweet potato and the earthiness of the thyme to create a surprisingly unique and eye-opening delight. The seeds sprinkled on top are for optional texture, on top of the crunchiness of the toast, but feel free to improvise with something neutral in that regard.
This toast is definitely in the weekend breakfast and snack rotation. I hope you’re all doing well and am always happy to visit this space and share with you, especially when quick and easy and packed with flavor is the name of the game. Be well! xo
MUSHROOM SWEET POTATO TOAST
INGREDIENTS:
For the sweet potato:
- 1 medium sweet potato, chopped into 1/4 slices and halved
- 1cup water
For the mushrooms:
- 1-2 tbs sesame oil
- 8-10 oz mushrooms (I used baby portobello, but any mix would work well)
- 1-2 tbs water
- 1 tbs soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tbs fresh thyme
- pepper to taste
For the garnish:
- 2 tbs superseed mix (chia seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds) or pumpkin seeds
- extra thyme
DIRECTIONS:
For the sweet potato:
Add the sweet potatoes to a medium pan over medium heat and pour the water in. Bring to a simmer. Let cook until softened, about 10 mins. Turn heat off, drain water and cover with a lid mostly on, to keep warm. When you’re ready either mash with a masher or dump them into a blender or food processor and blend until mashed.
For the mushrooms:
In a medium pan over medium heat, add the sesame oil and the mushrooms. Mix until coated and add the water. Let cook for a bit and add the soy sauce/coconut aminos and thyme. Add pepper to taste. Stir until the mushrooms release their juices. *Incidentally mushrooms are the most nutritious when you add fat and heat.
Assemble:
Over your favorite type of toast, spread the mashed sweet potatoes. Add mushrooms next. Garnish with thyme and seeds of your choice. Add salt or pepper to taste. Additionally you can add a layer of greens to the bottom or some cashew cheese sprinkled on top. Enjoy!
Looks delicious and interesting.
Thanks, Jovina!xo
Spring is coming – it’s so good to see you back again!
Thanks, MD! I can feel it 😉
Looks like the perfect savory snack! I just need to find a good bread, worthy-enough for me to eat as toast. Oh, the struggle…I may just make this as mashed sweet potato and mushrooms over a spoonful of quinoa and skip the toast.
That works too! Nice to see you here 😉 the key is in the flavor mix, not so much the toast so you’re all good. Have a great week!
This snack/breakfast looks perfect for my life right now! I am always on the lookout for nutritious vegetarian snacks for my daughter and this has all the things she likes (and I like them too). And quickness is also necessary most days. I have everything on hand so I’m going to try this today! Glad you are enjoying your yoga journey! I was going to go to yoga class today, but it’s so snowy that I don’t want to drive more than I have to, so I will try it at home. 🙂 I just have to do it where my dog can’t see me, or he will sit on me…. 🙂 I like your description of this time of year–knowing spring is coming, but still embracing the quiet of winter and the possibility of winter adventures. I have also noticed the daylight spreading out a bit, and it’s wonderful. Great to see your post!
Thanks, Jenny! It’s nice to be here too. With better sun comes more photo opportunities. Lol Re your dog. Animals seem to want a part of yoga routines when you’re home. It’s so cute. Oh I hope you like this. The savory Asian flavors combined so well with the sweet potato it was shocking, but the thyme really finished it. Enjoy! Stay cozy!
This is great! I honestly wouldn’t even need the bread, but I’m sure it adds a wonderful textural component to this dish!
Thanks, Mimi! I agree the bread is optional. The flavors mix just fine without it. Enjoy your day!
i am a very very very very slow convert to the sweet potato. it always seemed like a crappy alternative to potatoes. i have since learned the error of my ways, and i am so pleased for yet another option for it. i am toast girl, and i like to put stuff on it, sweet potatoes it is!
Yes! A few ppl were saying you don’t need the toast, which is true, but I’m on the bandwagon, Avo toast, mushroom toast, meatball toast, back in the day eggs on toast. I actually am partial to sweet potatoes over potatoes. But they aren’t interchangeable. This is a winning combo.
Yum…and sweet potato is so good for you!
Thanks you! I read that too, it has everything you need. Hope you’re doing well!
Since my breakfast has a tendency to consist of herring or smoked eel atop cottage cheese atop black bread with a huge mig of strong black coffee, this variation on the breakfast theme would be most interesting and shall be tried. Live on both sweet potatoes and mushrooms and am fascinated to know how thyme fits in with my fave Asian flavours: 🙂 ! Thanks for the idea . . .
Oh Eha, you are speaking my language. I eat mostly veg these days but herring and any smoked fish with cheese, black bread and black coffee is my soul food! I was raised on it and I love it. This is a good alternative. It may not measure up, but it’s good in its own right. Thanks for your lovely comment. Cheers to both versions of bfast!
I love sweet potatoes and mushrooms, but have never combined the two. With those seasonings, I bet it was absolutely delicious. I’m glad you started yoga, I hope you keep enjoying it! I have less time for personnal practise, but have been teaching more and more, and I love seeing my students make progress, feel better, and never skip a class. It is a constant journey, but once you start it is hard to look back!
You might like this toast. I’ve been meaning to email you about yoga! I imagine it is hard to take the time for yourself when working with your students all day. We must catch up. It’s a great journey.
I hear you completely babygirl.
The good news is that the longer day of winter has already passed so the days are in fact getting longer (i.e. the shadows are getting shorter) so take a little heart in that.
And yay you for getting into yoga!!
I’ve started taking flexibility classes after I tried a strip pole class for the first time a couple months ago and found out my flexibility is shit. hahaha!!!
Trust me when I say we are very much on the same wavelength there lol!
Happy to see that you’re enjoying work, that’s particularly a big deal, especially in these cold, winter months.
Great seeing you lovebug, lovely combination you did here <3 <3
Hi Dana! So great to hear from you. Yes I have a whole new respect for strippers in terms of flexibility and strength. Just like yoga! lol. I thought longer days brought longer shadows at least at sunset, but shorter shadows make sense for higher angles. Either way it’s a win. More light! More photos! More life! I hope you’re doing well, enjoying work and workout. And food. Xoxo 😘
Mwahhhh back at you love!!
I’ll let you know when I get my stripper name!
Lmao!
Yes yes yess!
I’ll let you know when I advance to point where I’m ready to assign myself a stripper name 😀
Sorry – seems my first reply went though afterall haha
Hi! So nice to see your post pop up. I am the biggest fan of sweet potatoes and always looking for new ways to enjoy. I’ve been eating savory versions of oatmeal for breakfast and I’m thinking this tasty mushroom/sweet potato combination would be perfect in a bowl. I appreciate your description of this time of changing seasons…I’m savoring what’s left of winter by skiing as much as possible, but I do feel spring whispering and that makes me happy, too. All good. xx
So happy to see you here too! Big hug! Thanks as always for your kind words. Savory oatmeal is so good. I need to do it more often. I’ve been very into Japanese food lately and that’s such an Asian concept. It makes sense. Glad you’ve been skiing and in the moment while knowing spring lies ahead! Glad you’re well. 😘
So simple but delicious – inspiring for my next ‘something tasty on toast’ mid week dinner!
Thank you! Right?! It’s dinner when I’m by myself too. Toast is the new plate. Enjoy! Xo
For reasons not kown to e, I’ve been eating more sweet potato this season — and loving it! Today’s dish would fit right in with my newfound love. Amanda. Not so with yoga, I’m afraid. If I should get down on to the floor, Max sees “Playtime!” and comes running. He obviously doesn’t want me to over-exert myself. Gotta love that dog! 🙂
Haha! Hilarious. I too have been eating more sweet potatoes, which is odd, but I’m loving it. I keep them on hand now in a way I never used to before. This combo is a total winner. A great complement to those richly delicious dishes you make. Xo
It sounds as though you are off to a healthy start with a nice breakfast like that…and yoga too!
I’m trying! Anything that helps life be a little more calm and delicious! Hope you’re well Karen! I always think of you when I pass apple trees!
That is so sweet Amanda, thank you. 🙂
I would totally eat that! Good to hear what you’ve been up to. I’ve been on and off with yoga (currently off) as it’s a hard practice for me to stick to. Love my cardio, but have never been especially loyal to the slower exercises. Despite the fact that it’ equally as important as cardio. Hope your work cake went well. Since this is a Feb post and it is now end of March, it must be keeping you very busy indeed!
It’s true Liz! This is the busiest case I’ve ever been on! I’m the same way re loving cardio and less able to embrace the slower stuff. I think that’s changing a little and I can do both. Be well!