Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Cheese

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Cheese is a colorful and delicious dish that combines wholesome quinoa with a medley of vegetables and gooey cheese, all encased in vibrant bell peppers. This hearty main dish is not only nutritious but also visually appealing, making it perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

• Bell Peppers - 2 large
• Quinoa - 1 cup (uncooked)
• Vegetable broth - 2 cups
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Onion - 1 small, diced
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Zucchini - 1 small, diced
• Corn - 1/2 cup (fresh or frozen)
• Black beans - 1/2 cup (cooked, drained, and rinsed)
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) - 1 cup
• Fresh parsley - for garnish

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Rinse the quinoa under cold water and then combine it with vegetable broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
3. While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the bell peppers by cutting the tops off and removing the seeds and membranes. Set aside.
4. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the diced zucchini, corn, black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork and add it to the skillet, mixing well with the vegetables. Stir in 3/4 cup of shredded cheese until melted and combined.
7. Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa and vegetable mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
8. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of each pepper.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Cholesterol: 20 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein and fiber from quinoa and black beans, supporting muscle health and digestion.
• Contains a variety of vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables, promoting overall health and wellness.

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