Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (≈ 400 g total), peeled and cut into 2 cm cubes
- 1 can (≈ 400 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- Pinch of black pepper and sea salt
- 4 large whole‑grain or sprouted grain wraps/tortillas
- 1 cup baby rocket (arugula)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup fresh blueberries
- 2 tbsp tahini
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- ¼ cup fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
- Optional: 2‑3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt per wrap for extra protein
Method
- Pre‑heat oven to 200 °C (≈390 °F).
- Toss the sweet potato cubes and chickpeas with the olive oil, turmeric, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper and sea salt. Spread out on a baking tray in one layer. Roast for about 20‑25 minutes, until sweet potatoes are tender and chickpeas slightly crisped.
- While roasting, lightly toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet for ~2 minutes until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini and lemon juice (if too thick, add a splash of water to loosen).
- After roasting, remove tray and let mixture cool slightly.
- Warm the wraps briefly (in oven or skillet) so they’re pliable.
- To assemble each wrap: Lay a wrap flat, place ~¼ of the roasted sweet potato & chickpeas mixture in centre, add rocket/arugula, a handful of julienned carrot, some blueberries, chopped walnuts, chopped coriander, and drizzle ~½ tbsp of the tahini‑lemon dressing. If using, add ~½ tbsp Greek yogurt. Wrap tightly.
- Serve immediately, or wrap in foil for a portable lunch.
Why it works
- Sweet potato brings steady‑release carbohydrates for sustained mental energy, plus beta‑carotene for antioxidant support.
- Chickpeas supply plant protein and fibre—helping stabilise blood glucose (important for cognitive clarity across the work‑day).
- Turmeric + smoked paprika + cumin add flavour and anti‑inflammatory/spice compounds, supporting brain‑cell health.
- Walnuts bring omega‑3 fatty acids and polyphenols (excellent for focus and neuroprotection).
- Blueberries add flavonoids and antioxidants tied to memory and brain clarity.
- Tahini (sesame seed paste) provides healthy fats and magnesium, helpful for stress resilience.
- Making it into a wrap makes the meal portable—perfect for the busy professional, enabling you to eat smart even during a tight schedule or at your desk.
