Quinoa-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Green Goddess Dressing
Green Goddess dressing celebrates the first flavors of Spring with a mixture of fresh herbs like tarragon, parsley, and chives. It makes the perfect cool, creamy topping for these quinoa-stuffed sweet potatoes Make a big batch of these on the weekend for healthy, gluten-free vegan lunches the whole week.
Preheat your oven to 400F. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet. Roast 45-60 minutes, flipping after the first 25 minutes. When the potatoes are soft enough to easily glide a knife in and out, they are done. Remove from the oven and let cool.
To toast the Walnuts:
While the potatoes roast, toast the walnuts. Place the walnuts on a small baking sheet. Roast 5-7 minutes, until aromatic and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool.
To cook the Quinoa:
While the sweet potatoes and walnuts roast, cook your quinoa. Place the quinoa in a small pot over medium heat. Cover with a lid and dry-toast until the quinoa starts popping, only a couple of minutes. Add the cup of water, bring to a boil, and reduce to simmer. Simmer 10-12 minutes, until the quinoa "pops" open and is tender. Turn off the heat, remove the lid, and fluff with a fork.
Now's a good time to make the Green Goddess Dressing.
To make the Green Goddess Dressing:
Combine all ingredients except the water in a blender. Puree until smooth. With the motor running, drizzle in the water until you get a thick, yet pourable, consistency. You want something similar to thick sour cream. Taste to adjust seasoning.
To assemble the Quinoa-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Green Goddess Dressing:
When the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them open on top. Scoop out most of the flesh, leaving the skins still in tact. Combine the sweet potato flesh with cooked quinoa and toasted walnuts. Season with salt and pepper.
Re-stuff the sweet potatoes with the quinoa walnut stuffing. Pour on a good serving of the Green Goddess Dressing. Garnish with fresh watercress and serve.
If you like this plant-based recipe, you'll also love 7 Minute Southwestern Stuffed Sweet Potato, Easy Oil-Free Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges and Easy Oil-Free Dill Avocado Dip.