DESCRIPTION OF ZESTY QUINOA FIESTA PEPPERS
“Zesty Quinoa Fiesta Peppers” transform simple ingredients into a colourful and healthful feast. This dish combines the nutty taste of quinoa with the hearty textures of black beans and vibrant sweet peppers, seasoned perfectly with a blend of spices. It’s an excellent choice for a nutritious meal that doesn’t skimp on flavour.
RECIPE CATEGORY
- Entrée, Appetisers
SERVING SIZE
- Serves 6
CUISINE
- Latin-American, Mediterranean Fusion
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
- Bake, Sauté
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
- Summer, Spring, Party, Family Reunion, Potluck
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
- Healthy, Vegan, High Fibre, Low Cholesterol, Low Sodium
DISH TYPE
- Appetiser, Side Dish
INGREDIENTS FOR ZESTY QUINOA FIESTA PEPPERS
- 36 mini sweet peppers, approximately 1-1/2 lb
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 jalapeno, minced
- 3/4 cup diced sweet peppers
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes
- 3/4 cup quinoa
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 3/4 cup frozen corn
- 1 tsp chilli powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Handful cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican 4 cheese blend (optional for a vegan version, use vegan cheese)
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 8g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sodium: 320mg
PREPARATION FOR ZESTY QUINOA FIESTA PEPPERS
- Prepare the Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Halve the mini peppers lengthwise and remove the seeds. Set aside.
- Cook the Quinoa Mixture: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, jalapeno, and reserved diced peppers until soft. Add quinoa and vegetable broth; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer until quinoa is cooked about 15 minutes.
- Mix the Filling: Stir in Rotel tomatoes, black beans, corn, and spices to the cooked quinoa. Cook until the mixture is heated through.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the quinoa mixture into each pepper half. Place stuffed peppers on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Top with cheese if using, and bake for 20 minutes or until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
PREP TIME
- 20 minutes
COOKING TIME
- 35 minutes
TIPS FOR ZESTY QUINOA FIESTA PEPPERS
- For an extra crunch, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the filling.
- Spice it up with more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
VARIATIONS
- Protein Boost: Add chopped cooked chicken or tofu for a protein-rich meal.
- Rice Substitute: Use rice instead of quinoa for a different texture.
PREPPING AND STORAGE GUIDE FOR ZESTY QUINOA FIESTA PEPPERS
- Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm throughout.
This dish is a feast for the eyes as much as it is for the palate, making it a perfect highlight for any dining occasion that calls for a burst of colour and a touch of zest.