These Quinoa Stuffed Peppers are filled with nutritious flavors from contemporary veggies, protein wealthy quinoa, and Mexican-inspired spice – all topped off with a creamy Cilantro Jalapeno Sauce. They usually’re 100% vegetarian and vegan pleasant too. Yum!
If you have not but found quinoa, I am right here to let you know that you have been lacking out. It is a useful little grain that’s loaded with protein and fiber, tastes nice, and is straightforward to include into every kind of vegetarian dishes!
With minimal prep and cooking time, these stuffed peppers are excellent for these busy evenings whenever you need a nutritious meal with out spending hours within the kitchen.
So subsequent time you are in a pinch for a wholesome and scrumptious dinner, give this Quinoa Stuffed Peppers recipe a attempt. Your style buds – and your schedule – will thanks!
Useful Suggestions
Which shade bell peppers?
No matter you need! I’m keen on purple bell peppers as a result of I discover them the sweetest when roasted, however orange or yellow work properly too. Inexperienced bell peppers are additionally positive, however word that the flavour can be sharper and fewer candy.
Pre-baking the bell peppers.
After a few years of constructing all kinds of stuffed pepper recipes, I’ve concluded that partially cooking the peppers earlier than stuffing them is the best possible method to get tender bell peppers. So this recipe requires baking the peppers for 20 minutes, then stuffing them, then persevering with to bake for one more 20 minutes. Belief the method. 😉
Alter the spice.
Should you desire a spicier dish, you’ll be able to add some crushed purple pepper flakes or diced jalapeno pepper to the filling. Alternatively, should you’re delicate to spicy meals, you’ll be able to cut back the quantity of taco seasoning or omit the jalapeno within the creamy cilantro sauce.
How can I inform when quinoa is cooked?
Quinoa is usually a difficult factor should you’ve by no means cooked with it earlier than. Quinoa seems to be considerably clear when it is absolutely cooked, and the germ (a little bit spiral tail-like factor) will change into seen, partially detaching from the seed. It ought to be tender however nonetheless have a slight chunk to it, just like al dente pasta.
Meal prep this recipe.
You possibly can put together the filling and stuff the peppers forward of time, then pop them within the oven whenever you’re able to eat. It is a nice time-saving hack for busy weeknights.
Use leftover filling for different dishes.
It really works properly as a filling for tacos, burritos, and even as a topping for salads. It may well even be the bottom for an incredible vegan burrito bowl.
Storing leftovers.
Leftover stuffed peppers may be saved in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days. They may also be frozen for as much as 2-3 months. Simply ensure to thaw them earlier than reheating within the oven.
Variations
Add extra protein.
Strive including some black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas to the filling for an additional dose of protein.
Add extra toppings.
Strive topping your stuffed peppers with crushed tortilla chips, contemporary scallions, or some melted dairy free cheese.
Add extra veggies.
You possibly can add in different greens reminiscent of zucchini, diced tomatoes, and even chopped spinach to spice up the dietary worth of the dish. Simply ensure to regulate the cooking time accordingly.
Mediterranean twist.
Change up the flavors by utilizing totally different herbs and spices for a Mediterranean-inspired stuffed pepper. As a substitute of taco seasoning, attempt utilizing oregano, basil, and garlic, and blend some feta cheese (or vegan feta cheese) and olives into your filling. Prime it off with a drizzle of balsamic glaze!
Southwestern fiesta.
Give your stuffed peppers a Southwestern aptitude by including in some black beans, diced tomatoes, and avocado to the filling. Prime it off with some contemporary cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a zesty and flavorful meal.
Tacky goodness.
For all of the cheese lovers on the market, attempt sprinkling some shredded cheese on prime of the peppers earlier than baking. You should utilize cheddar, mozzarella, or another favourite cheese. And naturally, you need to use a dairy free cheese to maintain the recipe vegan.
Extra Tasty Vegetarian Recipes
Should you love these quinoa stuffed peppers, you’ll want to take a look at these different scrumptious concepts:
Recipe
Servings: 6 servings
Energy: 117kcal
Substances
For the Cilantro Jalapeno Sauce:
- 1 cup cilantro leaves contemporary
- ½ cup plain dairy free yogurt reminiscent of coconut yogurt
- 1 jalapeno seeds eliminated
Directions
Prep the Bell Peppers:
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Preheat the oven to 350 levels Fahrenheit.
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Slice bell peppers in half lengthwise, leaving stems intact. Take away seeds. Spray a baking pan flippantly with non-stick cooking spray and place the bell peppers inside, open aspect up. Bake the peppers for 20 minutes – you’ll be able to proceed making ready the filling whereas they prepare dinner. When completed, take away the peppers from the oven and set them apart.
Prepare dinner Quinoa:
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Place quinoa in a mesh strainer and rinse beneath chilly water, till the water seems clear and never cloudy. In a medium saucepan, mix the quinoa and vegetable broth. Carry the combination to a boil, then cut back warmth to a simmer. Cowl the pot and prepare dinner for about quarter-hour. Quinoa is finished when you’ll be able to spot the small white “tail” that seems on every kernel.
Put together Filling:
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In a big pan, warmth 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high warmth. Add the mushrooms and onions, and prepare dinner for 5-7 minutes, till softened.
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Add the garlic and taco seasoning and prepare dinner for one more 1-2 minutes.
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Add the corn kernels, tomato sauce, and cooked quinoa.
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Stir to mix and prepare dinner for a number of extra minutes, till all the things is heated via. Take away from warmth.
Stuff the Peppers:
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Rigorously scoop the filling evenly into the six halved bell peppers, which you beforehand baked. Return the peppers to the oven and bake for a further 20-25 minutes, till the peppers are tender.
Make the Cilantro Sauce:
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Mix the yogurt, cilantro, and jalapeno pepper in a blender or meals processor. Puree right into a clean sauce. You possibly can add extra yogurt as wanted to succeed in desired consistency. Drizzle sauce over stuffed peppers and serve!
Diet
Energy: 117kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 5gFats: 2gSaturated Fats: 1gPolyunsaturated Fats: 1gMonounsaturated Fats: 1gLdl cholesterol: 3mgSodium: 392mgPotassium: 422mgFiber: 4gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 2353IUVitamin C: 83mgCalcium: 46mgIron: 1mg
