Side Dishes > Vegetables > Southern

Stuffed Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup black beans
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash the sweet potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork.
4. Wrap each sweet potato in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet.
5. Bake the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until they are tender.
6. While the sweet potatoes are baking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
7. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
8. Add the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn kernels, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
9. Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and carefully unwrap them.
10. Slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise and scoop out some of the flesh to create a cavity.
11. Divide the quinoa and vegetable mixture among the sweet potato halves and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
12. Return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Remove the stuffed sweet potatoes from the oven and sprinkle chopped cilantro on top.
14. Serve hot.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4 people.

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 332
Total fat: 9.7g
Saturated fat: 2.8g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 238mg
Total carbohydrates: 54.7g
Dietary fiber: 10.6g
Total sugars: 12.4g
Protein: 11.4g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of cooked grain instead of quinoa, such as rice or bulgur.
- You can use any type of cheese instead of cheddar, such as mozzarella or feta.
- You can use any type of beans instead of black beans, such as kidney beans or chickpeas.

Variations:
- You can add cooked ground beef or turkey to the quinoa and vegetable mixture for a meatier version.
- You can add diced tomatoes or salsa to the quinoa and vegetable mixture for a spicier version.
- You can add chopped avocado or sour cream on top of the stuffed sweet potatoes for a creamier version.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork before baking them to prevent them from exploding in the oven.
- You can prepare the quinoa and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- You can use leftover sweet potatoes instead of baking them from scratch to save time.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover stuffed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the stuffed sweet potatoes, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the stuffed sweet potatoes on a bed of fresh spinach or arugula for a colorful presentation.
- Garnish the stuffed sweet potatoes with additional chopped cilantro or green onions for a pop of color.

Pairings:
- Serve the stuffed sweet potatoes with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Pair the stuffed sweet potatoes with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a refreshing drink.

Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic and lemon
- Grilled asparagus with balsamic glaze

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sweet potatoes are not tender after baking them for 45-50 minutes, continue baking them until they are fork-tender.
- If the quinoa and vegetable mixture is too dry, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to moisten it.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before preparing the recipe.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
- Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.

Food history:
- Sweet potatoes are native to Central and South America and have been cultivated for thousands of years.
- They were introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus in the late 15th century and quickly became popular throughout the continent.
- Sweet potatoes are now grown all over the world and are a staple food in many cultures.

Flavor profiles:
- The sweet potatoes have a sweet and earthy flavor that pairs well with the savory quinoa and vegetable mixture.
- The chili powder and cumin add a spicy and smoky flavor to the dish.
- The cheddar cheese adds a creamy and tangy flavor to the stuffed sweet potatoes.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the stuffed sweet potatoes as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
- Serve the stuffed sweet potatoes as a side dish for a holiday meal or potluck.
- Serve the stuffed sweet potatoes as a vegetarian option for a party or gathering.

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Taste: Savory, Sweet, Tangy, Creamy, Nutty