Vegetarian Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

 

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the bell peppers upright.

2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the bell peppers upright in the prepared baking dish.

3. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until quinoa is cooked and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.

4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

5. Add diced zucchini and grated carrot to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.

6. Stir in cooked quinoa, black beans, corn kernels, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to blend.

7. Spoon the quinoa mixture into the prepared bell peppers, pressing down gently to pack the filling.

8. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the tops of the stuffed peppers.

9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to brown the cheese slightly.

11. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if desired, then serve the vegetarian quinoa stuffed bell peppers hot.

Enjoy these flavorful and nutritious stuffed bell peppers as a satisfying vegetarian meal!