These twice-baked potatoes are creamy, comforting, and infused with aromatic herbs that offer both flavor and wellness benefits. Each potato half is a crispy-edged boat filled with a velvety mash, enhanced by gentle spices, medicinal herbs, and plant-based dairy alternatives. Ideal as a hearty side dish or even a standalone comfort meal, it blends traditional baked potato goodness with a health-conscious modern twist.
Whether you’re prepping a weekday dinner, nourishing the family, or celebrating a seasonal gathering, this recipe promises warmth, nutrients, and flavor depth in every bite.
🍃 Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
Base:
- 4 large russet or sweet potatoes (for extra antioxidants)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (to rub skins)
- Pinch of sea salt for roasting
Filling:
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based cream (cashew or oat works beautifully)
- ½ cup nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor + B-vitamins)
- ¼ cup finely chopped scallions or leek greens
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried
- 1 tsp garlic powder or 2 cloves roasted garlic
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Herbal Boost (Optional Additions):
- 1 tbsp powdered nettle or moringa (for blood sugar & joint support)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (memory-enhancing + flavorful)
- 1 tsp ground turmeric + pinch black pepper (anti-inflammatory)
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseeds (for texture & omega-3s)
Topping:
- Extra herbs for garnish
- Sprinkling of vegan cheese shreds or crushed walnuts
🍽️ Instructions:
1. Prep & First Bake
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub potatoes clean and pat them dry.
- Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with sea salt.
- Place directly on the oven rack or a baking tray and bake for 50–60 minutes, until fork-tender and crispy-skinned.
2. Cool & Scoop
- Remove from oven and let sit for 10–15 minutes until cool enough to handle.
- Slice each potato in half lengthwise.
- Carefully scoop out the flesh using a spoon, leaving about ½ cm of potato around the edge for structure.
- Place the potato flesh into a large mixing bowl.
3. Mash & Blend
- To the bowl, add plant-based cream, nutritional yeast, garlic and onion powder, scallions, herbs, and spices.
- Mash thoroughly until creamy yet fluffy. Add a splash more cream if needed.
- Fold in powdered herbs (nettle, moringa) and flaxseed at this stage if using.
- Taste and adjust seasoning—salt, pepper, herbs.
4. Refill & Dress
- Spoon the creamy mixture back into each potato shell, piling slightly higher than the edges.
- Sprinkle the tops with a little vegan cheese, chopped walnuts, or fresh herbs for texture.
5. Final Bake
- Return filled potatoes to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until tops are golden and lightly crisp.
- Let cool for a few minutes before garnishing with parsley or rosemary.
🌱 Optional Variations:
- For Gut Health: Add a spoonful of kimchi or sauerkraut into the filling before the second bake.
- For Kids: Use sweet potatoes, add a dash of cinnamon and remove strong herbal powders.
- Topically Inspired: Pair with an herbal tea or compress using some of the same healing herbs like turmeric, rosemary, or nettle—integrating internal and external wellness.