Save to Pinterest Blooming Tulip Veggie Cups bring a burst of vibrant spring colors to your table with crisp bell peppers artfully shaped like tulip petals. These edible blooms, filled with a luscious creamy herb cheese, make for an elegant and refreshing appetizer that's perfect for festive gatherings or light starters. The combination of fresh vegetables and flavorful cheese creates a delightful balance of texture and taste that's sure to impress your guests.
Save to Pinterest This recipe highlights the natural beauty and flavors of simple garden vegetables while offering a creamy, herbaceous filling that elevates every bite. Its no-cook nature makes it ideal for quick preparation and elegant presentation.
Ingredients
- Vegetables
- 8 large red or yellow bell peppers
- 8 long green onions (with stalks)
- 1 small cucumber
- 8 cherry tomatoes
- Filling
- 200 g (7 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Garnish
- Extra chives or microgreens
Instructions
- 1. Wash all vegetables thoroughly.
- 2. Cut each bell pepper in half lengthwise, keeping the stem intact to resemble tulip petals. Remove seeds and membranes carefully.
- 3. Trim the green onions to about 12 cm (5 in) and gently slice the white ends lengthwise halfway up, creating a stem effect.
- 4. Cut cucumber into thin sticks, about 8 cm (3 in) long.
- 5. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, chives, dill, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- 6. Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture into the hollowed bell pepper halves.
- 7. Insert a green onion stem into each filled pepper cup. Tuck a cucumber stick and a cherry tomato into the cheese filling for extra color and texture.
- 8. Arrange on a platter, garnish with extra chives or microgreens, and serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Use a sharp knife for clean cuts on the bell peppers and green onions to enhance the tulip effect. Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly with the herbs, so make sure it is at room temperature before mixing. For a more precise filling, consider using a piping bag or spoon carefully to avoid spilling.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan version, substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives. To add extra crunch and color, finely diced radish or shredded carrot can be mixed into the cheese filling without changing the core flavor.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these veggie cups fresh with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon for a light, refreshing pairing that complements the freshness of the vegetables and herbs.
Save to Pinterest Blooming Tulip Veggie Cups offer a delightful and visually stunning way to serve fresh vegetables with a creamy, flavorful filling. Their ease of preparation and attractive presentation make them a standout choice for any occasion where a light and elegant appetizer is desired.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I create the tulip shape with bell peppers?
Cut each bell pepper in half lengthwise while keeping the stem intact to resemble tulip petals. Carefully remove seeds and membranes without damaging the stem.
- → What filling blends complement the vegetables?
A creamy mixture of softened cream cheese, sour cream, fresh chives, dill, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper brings a fresh herbal note that pairs well with crisp vegetables.
- → Can these cups be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the filling and vegetables separately to maintain freshness, then assemble shortly before serving to keep the peppers crisp.
- → Are there vegan alternatives for the filling?
Plant-based cream cheese and sour cream can replace dairy ingredients to accommodate vegan diets, maintaining similar texture and flavor.
- → What garnishes enhance the presentation and flavor?
Extra fresh chives or microgreens add a bright, delicate finish that complements the herbal cream cheese and fresh vegetables.