Skip to main content

Hebni Nutrition Consultants, Inc.

Hebni Nutrition Consultants, Inc. (Hebni) is a community based, non-profit (501 (c)(3)) agency formed in 1995 to educate high-risk, culturally diverse populations about nutrition strategies to prevent diet-related diseases. In their early beginnings, the Partners of Hebni developed intervention programs and educational tools such as the “Soul Food Pyramid” and “Sisters: Take Charge of Your Health” which address populations, who are at high risk for poor health outcomes. Hebni’s programs serve populations who may be at-risk for cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity.

Last Year (2023)

  • Nutrition Classes

    30

  • Volunteer Hours

    323

We have the power to improve lives. Generosity has the ability to unite and heal our community in good times and bad. Click below to learn how to help.

Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole

Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes

  • 3 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds)
  • 1/4 cup milk, feel free to use dairy-free or lactose-free milk it works well
  • 1/4 cup butter or ghee, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¾ tsp nutmeg
  • ¾ tsp ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Topping

  • 1 cup pecans roughly chopped
  • 4 Dates pitted and diced
  • 1/4 cup flour, can use almond flour for a gluten-free option
  • 2 tablespoon butter or ghee

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to boil on high heat.
  2. Peel the sweet potatoes with a hand peeler.
  3. Dice the potatoes into chunks and place them into the pot. Cook the potatoes for 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  4. Drain the potatoes over a colander, and place the potatoes in a large mixing bowl and mash them with a hand masher or electric beater.
  5. Pour the milk, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt into the mixture and continue mixing until creamy.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  7. Make the crumble topping. Roughly chop the dates, pecans, and transfer them to a mixing bowl. Add the flour and butter, then mix thoroughly with your hands until combined.
  8. Spread the sweet potato into an even layer in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Then sprinkle the crumble mixture on top.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Notes

  • To create a more creamier sweet potato layer, use a food processor, hand mixer, or stand mixer to blend.
  • To make it dairy-free , you can swap butter for ghee as well as use any type of nut milk.

Things to consider about this recipe: 

  • Sweet Potatoes contain vitamin C, in fact, a medium sized sweet potato contains 25% of the daily intake of vitamin C. They also have potassium and magnesium, which helps keep a normal blood pressure and regulate the body’s stress response. The cinnamon and vanilla will add nice flavoring to the casserole. Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde that reduces inflammation in the body and as well as reducing insulin resistance. 
    • Sweet potatoes are also high in carbohydrates, and by frying, baking, or roasting, it can cause your blood sugar to increase rapidly. They also contain oxalates that can increase kidney stone risks. 
    • It is good to be careful with the amount of cinnamon used in this dish, because it can also increase blood sugar if used in excess amounts. In surplus, it can also be toxic to the liver.
  • Nellie Robinson, Project Oasis Participant
    Nellie Robinson, Project Oasis Participant

    I had an A1C reading of 9.1.
    Ms. Gaines worked with me and encouraged me, and my A1C is now a 7.1!

Thank you to our generous sponsors:

  • Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation Logo
    Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation Logo
  • simply helathcare
  • Placeholder Logo
  • Placeholder Logo
  • Placeholder Logo
  • Placeholder Logo