Recipe: Veggie and Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

 

Recipe: Veggie and Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color), halved and seeds removed
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cooked black beans (canned is fine)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
• Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Quinoa:

   • In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Bell Peppers:

   • Halve the bell peppers lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the pepper halves in a baking dish, cut side up, and set aside.

4. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
   • Add the diced zucchini to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until slightly softened.
   • Stir in the cherry tomatoes, cooked quinoa, black beans, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until all the ingredients are well combined and heated through.

5. Stuff the Bell Peppers:

   • Spoon the quinoa and vegetable mixture evenly into each bell pepper half, pressing down gently to pack the filling.

6. Bake:

   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.

7. Add Cheese and Finish Baking:

   • Remove the foil from the baking dish and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the stuffed bell peppers. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Serve:

   • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.

9. Enjoy!

   • These veggie and quinoa stuffed bell peppers make a delicious and nutritious meal. Serve them as a main dish for lunch or dinner, and enjoy the flavorful combination of vegetables, quinoa, and melted cheese!