30-Minutes Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chickpeas and Broccoli-Basil Pesto

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chickpeas and Broccoli-Basil Pesto—A Heart-Healthy, Hashimoto-Friendly Vegetarian Dinner

Looking for a healthy, nourishing, and flavorful dinner idea? This recipe for roasted sweet potatoes with crispy chickpeas and homemade broccoli pesto is a true plant-based gem. It’s vegetarian, gluten-free, packed with nutrients, and especially supportive for heart health, people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and the immune system in general.

This is one of those comforting recipes that feels like food-as-medicine: warm, colorful, and deeply satisfying. Perfect for cozy autumn evenings, but honestly delicious any time of the year.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chickpeas and Broccoli-Basil Pesto

Why is this dish so healthy?

• Sweet potatoes—high in fiber, beta-carotene, potassium, and B vitamins. They help regulate blood pressure, support cardiovascular health, and stabilize blood sugar levels.

• Chickpeas—rich in plant-based protein, iron, and fiber. Perfect for Hashimoto’s, as they support gut health, balance energy, and keep you full for hours.

• Broccoli—one of the healthiest cruciferous vegetables, loaded with antioxidants and sulforaphane, known to reduce inflammation and boost immune defenses.

• Homemade broccoli pesto—lighter than classic pesto, dairy-free, and filled with heart-healthy fats from olive oil and walnuts. These fats also support brain function and reduce inflammation.

Together, these ingredients create an anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense meal that supports thyroid health, cardiovascular function, and the immune system.

Ingredients (serves 2-3):

For the roasted sweet potatoes & chickpeas:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (halved lengthwise)

• 1 can of chickpeas (about 240 g drained)

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• salt & black pepper to taste

For the broccoli pesto:

• 1 small head of broccoli (about 200 g florets)

• 1 garlic clove

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp pine nuts (lightly toasted for extra flavor)

• juice of ½ lemon

• 30 g (about ¼ cup) grated Parmesan cheese

• a handful of fresh basil leaves

• salt & pepper to taste

For garnish:

• fresh basil leaves

• a pinch of chili flakes

• a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

Step 1: Prepare the sweet potatoes & chickpeas

• Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).

• Peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Toss them with olive oil, turmeric, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Drain and pat dry the chickpeas, then coat them in the same spices.

• Spread everything evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a large non-stick pan. Roast for 30–35 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chickpeas are slightly crispy.

Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients for Broccoli Pesto

Sweet Potatoes and Chickpeas

Step 2: Make the broccoli pesto

• Steam the broccoli florets for 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.

• Transfer to a blender along with garlic, olive oil, walnuts, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

• Blend until smooth. If too thick, add 1–2 tbsp water to adjust consistency.

Sweet Potatoes and Chickpeas

Pesto

Step 3: Assemble & serve

• Place roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas on a plate.

• Drizzle generously with broccoli pesto.

• Optional: garnish with fresh parsley, cilantro, or pomegranate seeds for extra color and antioxidants

Personal Tip

This has become one of my go-to weeknight dinners. It’s quick, colorful, and always leaves me feeling nourished. I often double the pesto and keep it in the fridge for 2–3 days—it’s amazing as a pasta sauce, sandwich spread, or dip for raw veggies.

Health Benefits for Hashimoto’s, Heart Health & Immunity

• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis—antioxidants from broccoli and beta-carotene from sweet potatoes help reduce inflammation. Stable energy from chickpeas supports thyroid balance.

• Heart health—healthy fats from olive oil and walnuts lower LDL cholesterol, while potassium from sweet potatoes supports blood pressure regulation.

• Immune system—vitamin C from broccoli and lemon, fiber from chickpeas, and antioxidant-rich herbs strengthen immune defenses and gut health.

  
  

#healthyeating #hashimoto #sweetpotatoes #chickpeas #broccolipesto #hearthealth #immuneboost #vegetariandinner #plantbasedrecipes #wellnessfood