Deliciously Healthy: Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Are you looking for a nutritious and satisfying dinner option that’s both delicious and easy to prepare? Look no further! Our Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers are packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or an impressive dinner party dish. Plus, it’s vegetarian, gluten-free, and can be easily adapted for a vegan diet. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredient List

For the Peppers:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Topping:

• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Quinoa

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil.
2. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
3. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Bell Peppers

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. Place the bell peppers in a baking dish, cut side up. If they don’t stand up straight, you can trim a little off the bottom to level them.

Step 3: Make the Filling

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the diced zucchini and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the cherry tomatoes, black beans, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the cooked quinoa and mix well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 4: Stuff the Peppers

1. Spoon the quinoa mixture into each bell pepper, filling them generously.
2. If using, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

1. Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
2. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.
3. Serve each pepper with diced avocado on top and a wedge of lime on the side for a burst of freshness.

Final Thoughts

These Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers are not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrients and flavors that will satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Did you try this recipe? We’d love to hear how it turned out! Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts. If you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. Happy cooking!