Recipes

Recipes · Potatoes

Quinoa Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Potatoes · Vegan

Prep 15 Minutes
Cook 1 Hour
Serves 4

Ingredients

[POTATOES + TOPPINGS]

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes, well rinsed
  • 3/4 cup dry white quinoa, very well rinsed and drained*
  • 1 1/4 cups water
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp cumin to taste
  • 1/2 lime, juiced (1 Tbsp)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
  • 1/4 cup salsa of choice
  • optional: Tortilla chips, crushed
  • optional: Toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

[AVOCADO-CILANTRO SAUCE]

  • 1 small ripe avocado
  • 1 cup (60 g) cilantro, chopped
  • 3-4 small limes, juiced (~7 Tbsp)
  • optional: 2 Tbsp (30 ml) olive or grape seed oil (adds creaminess | or sub more water)
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp cumin to taste
  • 1 Tbsp sweetener such as maple syrup or agave nectar
  • 2-3 Tbsp water, to thin

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (204 C).

  1. Poke a few holes in the sweet potatoes with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape.
  2. Once oven is hot, bake sweet potatoes directly on oven rack (with a baking rack below to catch any drippings) for 45 minutes - 1 hour, or until tender to the touch.

Time will vary depending on size of potato.

  1. In the meantime, heat a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
  2. Once hot, add rinsed quinoa and toast for 3-5 minutes, or until all water is evaporated and quinoa is fragrant and slightly toasted.
  3. Add water, a pinch of sea salt, lime juice and bring to a simmer.

Reduce heat to low and cover.

  1. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
  2. Remove quinoa from heat and season with another healthy pinch sea salt and 1/4 tsp ground cumin.
  3. Stir, adjust seasonings as desired, and set aside, slightly covered.
  4. To prepare dressing, add all ingredients besides water to a blender or food processor and blend.
  5. Add only enough water to encourage blending. Scrape down sides as needed.
  6. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more lime, salt, cumin or sweetener as desired.

Set aside.

  1. Prepare any remaining toppings, such as chopped onion, cilantro or crushed tortilla chips (optional).
  2. To serve split open baked potatoes and gently press in on both ends to allow room for toppings.
  3. Fill each potato with 1 Tbsp salsa, and 1/4 - 1/2 cup cooked quinoa.
  4. Top with a healthy drizzle of avocado-cilantro sauce, and any other desired toppings (hot sauce, extra cilantro, and tortilla chips being my favorite).
  5. Best when fresh, though leftovers store separately in the refrigerator up to 2 days.