Cheesy Tofu-Stuffed Bell Peppers
These Cheesy Tofu-Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delightful and wholesome vegetarian dish that my mother introduced to me, and it's become one of my favorites. The combination of firm tofu, hearty vegetables, and melted cheese packed inside vibrant bell peppers creates a flavorful and satisfying meal. With a delightful blend of textures and tastes, this dish is perfect for family dinners or as a meal prep option. Adding provolone to the mozzarella elevates the cheese experience to a whole new level! Give this dish a try—it's not only healthy but also incredibly delicious!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
bell peppers
4 (tops cut off and seeds removed)
firm tofu
12 ounces (diced)
onion
1 (diced)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
dried parsley
1 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
frozen corn
1 cup (none)
lowfat mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
uncooked rice
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Prepare the rice according to package directions and set aside.
2
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
3
Carefully cut off the tops of the bell peppers about half an inch from the stem. Discard the seeds and membranes, and chop the tops, discarding the stems.
4
In a large pot, bring water to a boil, then parboil the hollowed-out pepper bottoms for about 4 minutes. Remove from heat, drain well, and stand the peppers upright in a shallow baking dish.
5
In a skillet over medium heat, stir-fry the diced tofu, onion, and minced garlic until the tofu is slightly golden and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
6
Add the chopped bell pepper tops, dried parsley, and black pepper to the skillet, cooking for an additional minute.
7
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the prepared rice, frozen corn, and mozzarella cheese until well combined.
8
Stuff each pepper with the tofu and rice mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
9
Bake the stuffed peppers uncovered for 30 minutes or until heated through and the peppers are tender.
10
If desired, sprinkle extra cheese on top before serving.
11
Serve hot and enjoy this delightful meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in these stuffed bell peppers?
The main protein in this recipe is 12 ounces of firm diced tofu.
How many bell peppers do I need for this recipe?
You will need 4 bell peppers with the tops cut off and seeds removed.
Should the rice be cooked before stuffing the peppers?
Yes, you should prepare the rice according to the package directions and set it aside before mixing it with the other filling ingredients.
What is the purpose of parboiling the bell peppers?
Parboiling the hollowed-out pepper bottoms for about 4 minutes ensures they become tender during the baking process.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Can I use a different type of cheese than mozzarella?
Yes, while the recipe calls for lowfat mozzarella, the description suggests that adding or substituting with provolone can elevate the flavor.
How long do the stuffed peppers need to bake?
Bake the stuffed peppers uncovered for 30 minutes or until they are heated through and tender.
What should I do with the tops of the bell peppers?
The tops should be chopped (discarding the stems) and added to the skillet with the tofu and onions to avoid waste and add flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian as it uses tofu and cheese as the primary protein sources.
How long should I stir-fry the tofu and onions?
Stir-fry the diced tofu, onion, and minced garlic for about 5-7 minutes until the tofu is slightly golden and onions are translucent.
Can I use frozen corn for the filling?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of frozen corn, which should be stirred into the mixture before stuffing.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dried parsley and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, along with minced garlic.
Is this a good meal prep option?
Yes, these Cheesy Tofu-Stuffed Bell Peppers are an excellent meal prep option as they store well and are easy to reheat.
Should I cover the peppers while they bake?
No, the instructions state to bake the stuffed peppers uncovered for the best results.
How much rice is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of uncooked rice, which should be cooked before being added to the filling.
Can I add extra cheese on top?
Absolutely, the recipe suggests sprinkling extra cheese on top before serving if desired.
What kind of tofu is best for this dish?
The recipe recommends using firm tofu so that it holds its shape during the stir-fry and baking process.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients (tofu, rice, vegetables, and cheese) are naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific labels to be sure.
How do I prepare the bell peppers?
Cut off the tops (about half an inch from the stem), discard seeds and membranes, then parboil the bottoms.
What size of baking dish should I use?
A shallow baking dish is recommended to stand the peppers upright during the baking process.
Can I use fresh parsley instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute fresh parsley; generally, use three times the amount of fresh as you would dried.
Is there any garlic in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 minced garlic clove to provide extra flavor to the tofu mixture.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Since it uses 4 bell peppers, it typically serves 4 people as a main course or side dish.
What color bell peppers work best?
Any vibrant bell peppers like red, yellow, orange, or green work well for this dish.
Do I need to drain the tofu?
Yes, it is best to drain and pat the tofu dry before dicing it to ensure it browns properly in the skillet.
Can I substitute the rice with quinoa?
Yes, quinoa would be a healthy substitute for rice and would work well with the tofu and corn filling.
How do I know the peppers are done parboiling?
They should be slightly softened but still hold their shape after 4 minutes in boiling water.
Is the onion diced or sliced?
The onion should be diced so that it blends well with the tofu and rice filling.
What makes this dish 'comfort food'?
The combination of hearty rice, protein-rich tofu, and melted mozzarella cheese creates a satisfying and warm meal.
Can I make this dish vegan?
To make it vegan, simply replace the mozzarella cheese with your favorite plant-based cheese alternative.