Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Introduction
Looking for a delicious and healthy vegetarian recipe? Try this quinoa stuffed bell peppers recipe! Packed with nutritious ingredients and bursting with flavor, these stuffed bell peppers are sure to become a favorite in your household. Customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables and protein options. Serve these vibrant and flavorful quinoa stuffed bell peppers at dinner parties or enjoy them as a wholesome weeknight meal. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of healthy goodness!
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the peppers in a baking dish and set aside.
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water and cook according to package instructions. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Add the diced zucchini, carrot, corn kernels, black beans, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked quinoa. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.
- Spoon the quinoa mixture into the bell peppers, filling them to the top. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each pepper.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Variations
This quinoa stuffed bell peppers recipe is versatile and can be customized to your liking. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Swap out the vegetables: Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand or prefer. Bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots can be substituted with mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant.
- Add protein: If you want to add some protein to the dish, you can mix in cooked chicken, tofu, or even ground beef.
- Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add some chopped jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the vegetable mixture.
Conclusion
These quinoa stuffed bell peppers are a delicious and nutritious meal that will satisfy both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. With their vibrant colors and flavorful filling, they make for an impressive dish to serve at dinner parties or enjoy as a wholesome weeknight meal. So give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of healthy goodness!