Savory Quinoa-Stuffed Sweet Bell Peppers
Elevate your dinner experience with these Savory Quinoa-Stuffed Sweet Bell Peppers. Bursting with a delightful blend of quinoa, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying. Perfect for a wholesome one-dish meal, these vibrant green bell peppers are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor. Ideal for a family meal or a chic dinner gathering, these stuffed peppers can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for a warm, comforting experience. Enjoy this delightful dish that brings a medley of textures and tastes right to your table!
4
Servings
175
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
quinoa
1/2 cup (Rinsed and drained)
sweet green peppers
4 (Tops cut off and seeds removed)
vegetable oil
1 teaspoon (For sautéing)
onion
1 medium (Chopped)
mushrooms
8 (Sliced)
frozen corn kernels or canned corn
1 cup (Thawed if frozen)
fresh coriander or cilantro
2 tablespoons (Minced, with half reserved for garnish)
soy sauce
1 tablespoon (For flavor)
sesame oil
2 teaspoons (For flavor)
fresh garlic
2 teaspoons (Chopped)
red pepper flakes
1 pinch (For heat)
fresh whole wheat bread crumbs
1/2 cup (For topping)
Instructions
1
Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water to remove its natural coating. Drain well and set aside.
2
In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, stir, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed and the quinoa is translucent and fluffy.
3
While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the bell peppers by cutting off the tops (about half an inch) and removing the seeds. This creates a hollow space for stuffing.
4
Boil a large pot of water and carefully place the peppers in the boiling water. Cook for about 5 minutes or until they are tender-crisp. Once done, remove the peppers and drain them upside down to remove excess water.
5
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes tender and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
6
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet, cooking until they're soft and have released their moisture, about 5 minutes.
7
Stir in the cooked quinoa, corn, half of the fresh coriander or cilantro, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Mix well until combined and heated through, approximately 3-4 minutes.
8
Carefully spoon the quinoa mixture into each prepared bell pepper, pressing it down lightly to pack it in.
9
Sprinkle the tops of the stuffed peppers with whole wheat bread crumbs and then garnish with the remaining fresh coriander.
10
Place the stuffed peppers in a greased 8-inch baking dish. Bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 30 minutes or until they are heated through and the tops are golden brown.
Nutrition Information
3.75g
Fat
27g
Carbs
5.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary dish described in this recipe?
The dish is Savory Quinoa-Stuffed Sweet Bell Peppers, a nutritious one-dish meal featuring quinoa and vegetables.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of Savory Quinoa-Stuffed Sweet Bell Peppers?
Each serving contains approximately 175 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 3.75 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 27 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 5.75 grams of protein.
What type of bell peppers should be used?
The recipe specifies 4 sweet green bell peppers.
How should the quinoa be prepared before cooking?
The quinoa should be rinsed under cold water and drained to remove its natural coating.
What is the cooking time and ratio for the quinoa?
Simmer 1/2 cup of quinoa in 1 cup of water for about 15 minutes or until all water is absorbed.
Do I need to pre-cook the bell peppers before stuffing?
Yes, the peppers should be boiled for about 5 minutes until tender-crisp.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (180°C).
How long do the stuffed peppers need to bake?
Bake the stuffed peppers for 30 minutes or until heated through and golden brown.
What vegetables are included in the stuffing mixture?
The stuffing includes chopped onions, sliced mushrooms, and corn kernels.
How many mushrooms are required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 sliced mushrooms.
What herbs are used for flavor and garnish?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of fresh coriander or cilantro.
What sauces provide the savory flavor?
The savory flavor comes from a combination of soy sauce and sesame oil.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh garlic.
Is there any heat or spice in this dish?
Yes, a pinch of red pepper flakes is added for heat.
What is the topping for the peppers?
The tops are sprinkled with fresh whole wheat bread crumbs and the remaining fresh coriander.
What size baking dish is recommended?
An 8-inch greased baking dish is recommended.
Can this recipe be prepared in advance?
Yes, these stuffed peppers can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe is categorized as vegetarian and plant-based.
Is the recipe gluten-free?
While tagged as gluten-free, the recipe uses whole wheat bread crumbs, so gluten-free crumbs must be used to ensure it is strictly GF.
What kind of corn should be used?
You can use either 1 cup of frozen corn kernels (thawed) or canned corn.
How do you prepare the peppers for stuffing?
Cut off the tops (about half an inch) and remove the seeds to create a hollow space.
How long should you sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onion for about 3-4 minutes until tender and translucent.
How do you know when the mushrooms are cooked?
The mushrooms should be soft and have released their moisture, which takes about 5 minutes.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in this recipe.
What oil is used for sautéing?
One teaspoon of vegetable oil is used for sautéing.
What is the texture of the quinoa when finished?
The quinoa should be translucent and fluffy.