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This dish is colorful and packed with flavor. Here is the recipe for my quinoa and black bean stuffed peppers. - 4 large bell peppers (any color, tops sliced off and seeds removed) - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 cup diced tomatoes (can use canned) - ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend, optional) - Fresh cilantro, for garnishing Each serving is a healthy choice. Here is a quick look at the nutrition: - Calories: About 320 per serving - Protein: 12 grams - Carbs: 50 grams - Fat: 8 grams - Fiber: 10 grams These stuffed peppers are not just tasty; they are full of nutrients. They provide a great balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. You can enjoy them guilt-free as part of a balanced diet. Start by gathering all your ingredients. This helps you stay organized. You will need large bell peppers, quinoa, black beans, corn, and spices. Having everything ready makes cooking easier and faster. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring this mix to a boil over high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and cover it. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa is done when it’s fluffy and has absorbed all the broth. While the quinoa cooks, grab a medium pan and heat it over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until it turns translucent. Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for one more minute. The aroma will fill your kitchen and get you excited for the next steps. In a large bowl, mix your cooked quinoa, sautéed onion, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and spices. Add 1 teaspoon each of cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper. Stir this mixture well. Now, take your bell peppers and pack them tightly with the filling. Place them upright in a baking dish. If you want cheese, sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheese on top. Add a splash of water to the dish to help steam the peppers. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to let the cheese melt and brown. Enjoy your delicious veggie feast! For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe section. To make the best stuffed peppers, follow these tips. First, choose peppers that are firm and have no spots. This helps them hold their shape while cooking. Pre-cook the quinoa well. This ensures it mixes nicely with other flavors. Don't overstuff your peppers; leave some space for the filling to expand. Cover your baking dish with foil at first. This keeps moisture in and helps cook the peppers evenly. Add cheese near the end to avoid burning. One mistake is using soggy peppers. Always check for freshness before buying. Another mistake is skipping the seasoning. Salt and spices bring out the best flavors. Also, avoid overcooking the filling. It should be warm and mixed well, not mushy. Lastly, don’t forget to let them cool before serving. This makes handling easier and prevents burns. When choosing bell peppers, look for bright colors. Red, yellow, and green should all be vibrant. Check for firmness; they should feel heavy for their size. Avoid any that have soft spots or wrinkles. If you can, smell the pepper. A fresh one should have a sweet, earthy scent. This often means it is ripe and ready to eat. Use these tips, and your stuffed peppers will shine. For a full recipe that shows you how to make delicious stuffed bell peppers, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} For stuffed bell peppers, the flavor combinations are endless. You can mix and match ingredients to create a dish that fits your taste. Here are some ideas: - Mediterranean Twist: Add feta cheese, olives, and fresh herbs like oregano and basil. - Mexican Style: Use salsa, jalapeños, and top with avocado. - Italian Flair: Mix in marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for a comforting dish. These flavors will make your stuffed peppers exciting and fun. You can switch out quinoa or black beans for other grains or legumes. Some good options include: - Rice: Brown rice or white rice works well and adds nice texture. - Farro: This grain has a nutty flavor and chewy texture. - Lentils: These cook quickly and are packed with protein. Feel free to use what you have on hand! Making these stuffed peppers vegan is easy. Simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Here are other tips: - Replace cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. - Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for cooking grains. - Add more veggies, like spinach or mushrooms, to enhance nutrition and flavor. These changes keep your meal healthy and satisfying while catering to various diets. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section! To keep your stuffed peppers fresh, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for about three to four days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze, wrap each stuffed pepper tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy them later. They will last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheating is easy. You can microwave them for a quick meal. Place a stuffed pepper on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about two to three minutes, checking halfway. If you prefer, you can reheat them in the oven too. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to keep them moist. Enjoy your delicious meal! You can find the full recipe for vegetarian stuffed bell peppers to make more. Yes, you can prepare them in advance. Cook the quinoa and mix all the filling ingredients. Stuff the peppers and place them in the fridge until you are ready to bake. This can save time on busy nights. Just remember to cover them well. You can bake them right from the fridge. You can be creative with the filling! Here are some ideas: - Zucchini, diced - Spinach or kale, chopped - Mushrooms, finely chopped - Carrots, grated - Peas, fresh or frozen These vegetables add flavor and nutrients. Just make sure to chop them small for even cooking. The peppers are done when they are tender. You can test them with a fork. If the fork goes in easily, they are ready. The tops should be slightly browned if you added cheese. Bake them for about 30-40 minutes total. You want the peppers to be soft but not mushy. Enjoy your deliciously healthy meal! This article covered how to make tasty vegetarian stuffed bell peppers. We discussed the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned different flavor combinations and variations to keep it interesting. Plus, we looked at how to store and reheat your leftovers. In my view, stuffed bell peppers are a fun, healthy meal. They are easy to customize and share. I hope you feel ready to try it yourself!

Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers

Enjoy a deliciously healthy meal with these vegetarian stuffed bell peppers! Packed with nutritious ingredients like quinoa, black beans, and colorful veggies, this simple recipe is perfect for any night of the week. Follow easy step-by-step instructions to create a fun, flavorful dish that's great for sharing with family and friends. Ready to get cooking? Click to explore the full recipe and tips for making these mouthwatering stuffed peppers!
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Ingredients
  

4 large bell peppers (any color, tops sliced off and seeds removed)

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 cups vegetable broth

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup diced tomatoes (can use canned)

½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend, optional)

Fresh cilantro, for garnishing

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    In a saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.

      While the quinoa cooks, heat a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

        In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, sautéed onion and garlic, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

          Stuff each bell pepper generously with the quinoa mixture, packing it in tightly. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish.

            If using, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.

              Add a splash of water to the bottom of the baking dish to promote steaming and cover with aluminum foil.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil, and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the tops to brown slightly.

                  Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 4