Quinoa-Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers, any color
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse them well.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and vegetable or chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic, diced zucchini, and diced carrot.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and combine the cooked quinoa with the vegetable mixture. Mix well.
- Stuff the bell peppers with the quinoa-vegetable mixture, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
- If the peppers don't stand up on their own, you can slice a small portion off the bottom to create a flat base.
- Sprinkle grated cheese over the tops of the stuffed peppers.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 12gFiber: 6g
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