DESCRIPTION OF PEPPERY QUINOA FIESTA PEPPERS
Peppery Quinoa Fiesta Peppers are a vibrant and nutritious dish, perfect for any meal that calls for a burst of flavour and colour. This recipe combines the nuttiness of quinoa with the crispness of bell peppers, enriched with a mix of aromatic herbs and spices. Each pepper is generously stuffed, offering a satisfying and wholesome experience that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye.
RECIPE CATEGORY
- Dinner, Entrée
SERVING SIZE
- Serves 8
CUISINE
- American, Mediterranean
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
- Bake, Sauté
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
- Family Reunion, Spring, Summer, Healthy Eating
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
- Healthy, High Fibre, Vegetarian, Low Fat
DISH TYPE
- Casserole / Gratin
INGREDIENTS FOR PEPPERY QUINOA FIESTA PEPPERS
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp ground cumin
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes, drained (reserve liquid)
- 1 15 oz can of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 3/4 cup quinoa
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup Pepper Jack cheese, grated
- 4 large red bell peppers, halved lengthwise and deseeded
- Salt and pepper to taste
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 225
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 12g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
PREPARATION FOR PEPPERY QUINOA FIESTA PEPPERS
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Quinoa: In a saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, celery, garlic, and jalapeno until softened. Stir in ground cumin and cook for another minute.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetables, black beans, half the cheese, and half the diced tomatoes—season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare Peppers: Arrange the halved peppers in a baking dish. Spoon the quinoa mixture into each pepper half.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover, top with the remaining cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro before serving.
PREP TIME
- 20 minutes
COOKING TIME
- 40 minutes
TIPS FOR PEPPERY QUINOA FIESTA PEPPERS
- For a spicier kick, include the seeds of the jalapeno or add a dash of chilli powder to the quinoa mix.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of lime juice for added freshness.
VARIATIONS
- Meat Lovers: Add ground turkey or chicken for extra protein.
- Vegan Delight: Substitute vegan cheese and check the black beans for non-animal products.
PREPPING AND STORAGE FOR QUINOA FIESTA PEPPERS
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave, sprinkling a little water over the top to keep the peppers moist.
This delightful dish not only caters to health-conscious individuals but also offers a flexible base that can be tweaked according to dietary needs or taste preferences, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire.