Recipe for Twice Baked Potatoes with Roasted Red Peppers

If you’ve been keeping up with the latest science relating to the discovery of the “sixth taste”, then this recipe for twice baked potatoes is definitely for you!

Those in the foodie world are probably aware that it has long been believed our tongues register four primary tastes: salty, sweet, sour and bitter. Umami – the savory taste often associated with cheese–was added as the “fifth taste” back in 2009. And now it appears starchy–the flavor associated with carbohydrates such as potatoes and bread—could be the “sixth taste.” This new research could definitely help explain why carb cravings are so hard to resist.

If you have our Clean Cuisine book, you know we have never banned all starchy carbs from the menu either. That’s because we believe unprocessed, whole starchy carbs such as potatoes, brown rice, oatmeal, etc. are an excellent source of clean-burning and nutritious energy. In addition, many unprocessed, whole starchy carbs have something called resistant starch, which is more or less a miracle fat-burning starch. And yes, potatoes have resistant starch. Read more about resistant starch and why we love potatoes so much as part of a clean eating diet.

Recipe for Twice Baked Potatoes

As for the recipe for Twice Baked Potatoes below, they will definitely satisfy your “starchy taste” craving and they will do so much more healthfully than the conventional recipe version made with the usual suspects (butter, cream, cheese, etc.) The recipe below uses pureed roasted red peppers for vibrant color, added moisture and more nutrition and a combination of hummus and hemp seed puree for a rich, creamy texture.

One quick word about the hummus, if you are following an anti-inflammatory diet and planning to make your own hummus from scratch you’ll want to use a traditional hummus recipe that uses tahini (sesame seed puree) rather than highly refined and pro-inflammatory vegetable oil. If you want to use store-bought hummus, just be sure to look for one that is also made with tahini and free from refined oils. My favorite brand is Abraham’s Natural Hummos (spelled hummos). The ingredients in Abraham’s Traditional Style Hummus are clean and simple: Chickpeas, filtered water, sesame tahini, apple cider vinegar, roasted garlic, garlic, sea salt, citric acid, and their own special blend of spices.

And finally, the Twice Baked Potatoes can be served as a side dish for dinner or even as the main event along with a side salad. Enjoy!

Recipe for Twice Baked Potatoes with Roasted Red Pepper Puree

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• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 mins
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 mins
• Yield: 6 potato halves

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Ingredients

• 3 organic Idaho baking potatoes (about 8-ounces each)
• 1/4 cup roasted red peppers in a jar, rinsed and patted dry
• 3 tablespoons hemp seeds
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup hummus (either make your own or look for a brand made with tahini rather than refined oils such as Abraham’s Natural Hummus)
• 1/4 teaspoon unrefined sea salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Use a fork to poke holes all over each potato; bake potatoes on an upper oven rack for 1 hour. Remove potatoes from the oven, but leave the oven on. Set potatoes aside to cool.
3. Meanwhile, to a high speed blender (such as aVitamix), add the roasted red peppers, hemp seeds, fresh thyme, garlic, hummus and salt; process on high speed until mixture is smooth and creamy. Set mixture aside.
4. Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them in half lengthwise and gently scoop out the centers, taking extra care not to tear the shell. Add the potato centers to a large bowl and mix in the roasted red pepper mixture. Mash ingredients together with a potato masher until potatoes are lump-free and mostly smooth.
5. Scoop the seasoned potatoes back into their shells, transfer to a baking sheet and return to the oven for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and serve warm.

Did You Make the Recipe for Twice Baked Potatoes?

If so, please be sure to let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below or share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #CleanCuisine

Want More Healthy Dinner Recipes?

If you liked the recipe for Twice Baked Potatoes, be sure to check out a full month’s menu of delicious healthy dinner recipes (including weekly shopping lists!) in our Clean Cuisine Digital Cookbook.