Enjoy the comfort of baked potatoes with the bold, vibrant flavors of the American Southwest. This hearty and satisfying dish is packed with a variety of ingredients that bring a taste of the region to your plate. It can be served on its own as a light lunch or as a side to grilled meats.
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 cup of shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, salsa, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime wedges
Instructions
- Bake the Potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub the potatoes clean and pierce each one several times with a fork.
- Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for about 1 hour, or until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Prepare the Filling:
- While the potatoes are baking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and garlic, sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the red bell pepper, black beans, corn, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Stuffed Potatoes:
- Once the potatoes are baked, let them cool for a few minutes. Then, cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out some of the flesh, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Mix the scooped-out potato flesh with the vegetable mixture.
- Fill each potato skin with the mixture, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake Again:
- Return the stuffed potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot, with optional toppings such as sliced avocado, salsa, sour cream, and lime wedges.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
The following nutrition information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Dietary Fiber: 9g
- Sugars: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 220mg