Blooming Tulip Veggie Cups

A vibrant and fresh spring appetizer featuring crisp vegetables arranged as edible tulip blooms filled with a creamy herb cheese Perfect for festive gatherings or light starters

This appetizer always impresses my guests with its creativity and bright flavors

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

Step 1:

Wash all vegetables thoroughly

Step 2:

Cut each bell pepper in half lengthwise keeping the stem intact to resemble tulip petals Remove seeds and membranes carefully

Step 3:

Trim the green onions to about 12 cm (5 in) and gently slice the white ends lengthwise halfway up creating a stem effect

Step 4:

Cut cucumber into thin sticks about 8 cm (3 in) long

Step 5:

In a bowl mix cream cheese sour cream chives dill parsley garlic powder salt and pepper until smooth and well combined

Step 6:

Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture into the hollowed bell pepper halves

Step 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

Step 8:

Arrange on a platter garnish with extra chives or microgreens and serve immediately

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My family loves gathering around the table and enjoying these colorful bites together on spring afternoons

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled as a festive starter or light snack perfect with a crisp white wine or refreshing sparkling water

Vegan Variations

Replace cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives to create a delicious vegan version

Additional Tips

Try adding finely diced radish or shredded carrot to the filling for extra crunch and color contrast

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Enjoy these vibrant veggie cups as a beautiful and healthy addition to your next gathering

Recipe FAQs

→ How are the bell peppers prepared to look like tulips?

The bell peppers are halved lengthwise with the stem intact and seeds removed, creating a petal effect resembling tulips.

→ What herbs are used in the filling?

The filling includes finely chopped chives, dill, and parsley, blended with cream cheese and sour cream for a fresh herbal taste.

→ Can this dish be made vegan?

Yes, substituting plant-based cream cheese and sour cream allows for a vegan-friendly version while preserving the creamy texture.

→ How should the green onions be prepared?

Green onions are trimmed to about 12 cm, with the white ends sliced lengthwise halfway up to create a stem-like appearance for the tulip cups.

→ Are there suggestions to enhance crunchiness?

Adding finely diced radish or shredded carrot to the filling can introduce extra crunch and flavor.