Potato Skins with Broccoli Pesto

Active Time: N/ATotal Time35 MIN
Yield: Serves : 4

Broiled instead of deep-fried, and filled with a nutrient-packed pesto made from broccoli and fresh herbs, these potato skins are extra healthy. Toss any leftover pesto with pasta or use as a sandwich spread. Peel and shred the broccoli stems for slaw.Slideshows: Healthy Game Day Snacks

Ingredients

  • 2 medium russet potatoes
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/4 cup packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • 1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

How to Make It

Step 1    

Scrub the potatoes and prick all over with a fork. Microwave at high heat for 8 minutes, or until tender throughout. Alternatively, bake the potatoes in a 350° oven for about 1 hour. Transfer the potatoes to a work surface and let cool slightly.

Step 2    

Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the broccoli until tender and bright green, about 4 minutes. Drain the broccoli, reserving some of the cooking liquid.

Step 3    

In a food processer, process the garlic until minced. Add the broccoli and pulse until chopped. Add the parsley, basil, lemon zest, lemon juice and 1 tablespoon olive oil and puree until smooth, about 2 minutes; scrape down the side of the processor bowl as needed. If the pesto seems dry, add some of the cooking liquid. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to a bowl.

Step 4    

Preheat the broiler. Halve the cooled potatoes lengthwise. Using a small spoon or scoop, carefully remove some of the potato flesh from each potato half, leaving a shell about 1/4 inch thick. Cut each potato half crosswise into 3 equal pieces. Put the potato pieces skin side up on a baking sheet and brush the skins lightly with oil. Broil until crisp and golden in spots, about 2 minutes.

Step 5    

Turn over the potato shells on the baking sheet and fill each shell with about 1 tablespoon of the pesto. Sprinkle the filled potato shells with the cheese. Broil until the pesto is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve the potato skins hot.

Notes

Variation: Spray washed and thoroughly dried kale leaves with olive oil cooking spray and place on a metal rack on a baking sheet. Bake in a 300° oven until crisp and dry, about 20 minutes. Fill the broiled potato shells with Greek yogurt mixed with crumbled feta cheese. Top with broken pieces of crisped kale. Variation: Top the broiled potato shells with your favorite black bean or turkey chili. One serving: 155 cal, 6 gm fat, 2 gm sat fat, 21 gm carb, 4 gm fiber, 6 gm protein.

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